goal goal /ˈgoʊl/

noun

1. () The state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it  ( end , goal )
   the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
    The ends justify the means
   the ends justify the means
   
   
2. () The place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)  ( finish , goal , destination )
   the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)
    A crowd assembled at the finish
   a crowd assembled at the finish
    He was nearly exhausted as their destination came into view
   he was nearly exhausted as their destination came into view
   
3. A successful attempt at scoring  ( goal )
   a successful attempt at scoring
    The winning goal came with less than a minute left to play
   the winning goal came with less than a minute left to play
   
   
4. Game equipment consisting of the place toward which players of a game try to advance a ball or puck in order to score points  ( goal )
   game equipment consisting of the place toward which players of a game try to advance a ball or puck in order to score points
    The soccer player skillfully maneuvered the ball towards the goal, hoping to score.
   The soccer player skillfully maneuvered the ball towards the goal, hoping to score.