goat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal (depending on sense). The animal sense is neutral; 'G.O.A.T.' and scapegoat sense are informal.
Quick answer
What does “goat” mean?
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Capra aegagrus hircus) with backward-curving horns, a beard in males, and kept for its milk, meat, or wool.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Capra aegagrus hircus) with backward-curving horns, a beard in males, and kept for its milk, meat, or wool.
Informally, the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.); a stubborn or lustful person; also, a scapegoat or victim of ridicule.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference for the animal. The verb 'to goat' (to taunt) is rare but slightly more attested in US sources. Place names and idioms are largely shared.
Connotations
Equally common for the animal. Connotations of stubbornness or foolishness are shared.
Frequency
Animal sense equally frequent. The acronym 'GOAT' (greatest of all time) is common in both varieties, originating from and heavily used in US sports journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “goat” in a Sentence
[Subject] acted as a scapegoat for [Problem].[Agent] goated [Target] into [Action] (rare verb).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to goat me into an argument, but I walked away.
- They were goating the new player, shouting insults from the sidelines.
American English
- Don't let him goat you into reacting.
- The coach accused the media of trying to goat his star player.
adjective
British English
- The goat's milk yogurt is very creamy.
- They have a small goat farm in Devon.
American English
- I prefer the tang of goat cheese on this salad.
- The mountain goat population is thriving.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'He became the scapegoat for the project's failure.'
Academic
In biology, agriculture, or religious studies contexts. Rare in other fields.
Everyday
Common for the animal, food products (cheese), and informal praise/insults.
Technical
Specific to zoology, veterinary science, and animal husbandry (e.g., 'Caprine' as the adjective).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goat”
- Spelling confusion: 'gote'.
- Using 'goat' as a direct, strong insult like in Russian.
- Mispronouncing the diphthong /əʊ/ or /oʊ/ as a short 'o'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Goat' is the animal. 'Scapegoat' is exclusively a person (or group) blamed for the mistakes or sins of others.
In modern slang, 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) is high praise. However, calling someone an 'old goat' is a mild insult implying foolishness or lechery.
Yes, but it's rare and informal. It means to taunt or provoke someone ('He goated me into responding'). It's more common in North American English.
A female goat is a 'nanny goat' or 'doe'. A male is a 'billy goat' or 'buck', and a young goat is a 'kid'.
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Capra aegagrus hircus) with backward-curving horns, a beard in males, and kept for its milk, meat, or wool.
Goat is usually neutral to informal (depending on sense). the animal sense is neutral; 'g.o.a.t.' and scapegoat sense are informal. in register.
Goat: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get someone's goat (to irritate someone)”
- “act the goat (to behave foolishly)”
- “separate the sheep from the goats (to distinguish good from bad)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A GOAT in a BOAT wearing a COAT. The animal is often associated with mountain imagery, helping link the word to its meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUBBORNNESS IS A GOAT (stubborn as a goat). A TARGET OF BLAME IS A GOAT (scapegoat). EXCELLENCE IS A GOAT (G.O.A.T.).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'get someone's goat' mean?