goaler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to very low (specialist sports term; largely archaic for non-sports meaning)Specialist/technical (sports), Archaic (non-sports)
Quick answer
What does “goaler” mean?
A goalkeeper in ice hockey or lacrosse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A goalkeeper in ice hockey or lacrosse.
Primarily a sports term for the player whose role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by defending the goal; can be used as a nickname or informal title for a goalkeeper. In historical contexts, may refer to a prisoner or guard in a gaol/jail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'goaler' as a sports term is very rare outside of imported North American sports coverage; 'goalkeeper' or 'keeper' is standard. In North American English (especially Canadian), 'goaler' has niche but recognized usage in ice hockey. The archaic meaning of 'prison guard' (from 'gaol') was more common in British historical texts.
Connotations
In North America, 'goaler' can have a slightly old-fashioned or regional flavour within sports jargon, sometimes used for stylistic variety. In British English, it is either a direct North American import or a historical archaism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Higher relative frequency in Canadian sports journalism, but still far below 'goaltender' or 'goalie'.
Grammar
How to Use “goaler” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] goaler made a save.They need to find a new goaler for next season.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical texts (archaic) or sports science papers discussing specific positions.
Everyday
Virtually unused; 'goalie' is the common informal term.
Technical
Used in ice hockey and lacrosse coaching, commentary, and journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goaler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goaler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goaler”
- Misspelling as 'goalier'. Using 'goaler' in formal football (soccer) contexts where 'goalkeeper' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to the same position, but 'goalie' is the far more common and casual term. 'Goaler' is more formal and less frequent.
No, it would sound very unusual and non-standard. Use 'goalkeeper' or 'keeper' for soccer.
Primarily in Canadian English within the context of ice hockey and lacrosse.
Yes, but they are archaic. It historically could mean a jailer/guard or a prisoner, stemming from the old spelling 'gaol' for jail.
A goalkeeper in ice hockey or lacrosse.
Goaler is usually specialist/technical (sports), archaic (non-sports) in register.
Goaler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To lace the goaler (hockey slang: to score on the goalkeeper)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOAL being blocked by an '-ER' person: the GOAL-ER.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER DEFENDER (The goal is a container, the goaler prevents the puck/ball from entering).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'goaler' most likely to be used today?