field goal

noun

1
: a score of three points in football made by drop-kicking or placekicking the ball over the crossbar from ordinary play
2
: a goal in basketball made while the ball is in play

Examples of field goal in a Sentence

He kicked a 20-yard field goal.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two nights earlier in Pittsburgh, in a game to decide the AFC North, the Ravens had appeared headed for the playoffs thanks to Jackson’s late heroics before rookie Tyler Loop sprayed a 44-yard field goal attempt on the final play. Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Queta scored the Celtics’ first two field goals on pick-and-rolls and drew a foul beneath the basket. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 On Saturday, the Nuggets had as many turnovers (9) as made field goals in the second half. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026 Smack set a school-record with 10 field goals of at least 50 yards. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for field goal

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of field goal was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Field goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/field%20goal. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

field goal

noun
1
: a score of three points in football made by kicking the ball over the crossbar during ordinary play
2

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