goal crease: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Sport
Quick answer
What does “goal crease” mean?
The marked rectangular area directly in front of a hockey or lacrosse goal into which attacking players may not enter unless they are in possession of the puck/ball or are following it in.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The marked rectangular area directly in front of a hockey or lacrosse goal into which attacking players may not enter unless they are in possession of the puck/ball or are following it in.
In field hockey and lacrosse, the semicircular area surrounding the goal. In ice hockey, the area is a rectangular zone defined by red lines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily semantic: In UK field hockey, it is a 'D-shaped' semicircle. In North American ice hockey, it is a rectangular zone. The term is more frequent in North American English due to ice hockey's prominence.
Connotations
North American: Strongly associated with professional ice hockey rules and goaltender interference. British/International: Associated with field hockey rules and penalty corners.
Frequency
Higher frequency in North American English (ice hockey). Lower frequency in British English, but understood in field hockey contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “goal crease” in a Sentence
The [player] entered the goal crease.The [goaltender] is established in the goal crease.Play was stopped for a crease violation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goal crease” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The umpire penalised her for creasing.
- You cannot crease before the shot is taken.
American English
- The referee called him for creasing.
- He was creased on the play.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The crease infringement was clear.
- A crease violation occurred.
American English
- It was a clear crease violation.
- The crease call was controversial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in sports science, rule analysis, or coaching literature.
Everyday
Only in conversations about hockey or lacrosse.
Technical
Central to officiating decisions (goaltender interference, crease violations).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goal crease”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goal crease”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goal crease”
- Using 'goal area' instead of the specific term 'goal crease' in hockey contexts.
- Pronouncing 'crease' to rhyme with 'grease' (it rhymes with 'niece').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The equivalent area in soccer is the 'goal area' or the 'six-yard box'. 'Crease' is specific to hockey and lacrosse.
Yes, the puck can be in the crease. The rule typically concerns the positioning of attacking players' skates/body, not the puck's location.
If an attacking player enters the crease and impairs the goaltender's ability to defend the goal, the play may be whistled dead and any goal disallowed. Rules have evolved over time.
Yes, it is pronounced identically (/kriːs/), rhyming with 'niece' or 'peace'.
The marked rectangular area directly in front of a hockey or lacrosse goal into which attacking players may not enter unless they are in possession of the puck/ball or are following it in.
Goal crease is usually technical/sport in register.
Goal crease: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊl ˌkriːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊl ˌkriːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No room in the crease.”
- “Trespassing in the crease.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'crease' in paper as a defined line or fold. The 'goal crease' is the defined area in front of the goal, creating a boundary line.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GOAL IS A FORTIFIED SPACE (the crease is its protected inner courtyard).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the 'goal crease' a D-shaped semicircle?