goals

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of goal.

   The striker netted both goals before halftime.

   Their long-term goals include opening a second store.

   Note

   A regular plural that serves every sense of the noun: aims pursued, the nets or areas of a playing field, and points scored. The same spelling also belongs to the verb for scoring and to the slang of praise, so the surrounding words decide. In her goals it is a noun, in she goals a verb, and in that is goals pure admiration.

2. 2
   adjectivein compounds

   Extremely admirable and worth treating as something to aspire to and imitate.

   Her morning routine is absolute goals.

   The way they support each other is so goals.

   Similarenviable, aspirational, inspiring

   Note

   Praise that possibly began as a hashtag: #goals turned the plural noun into a one-word verdict on someone else's life. It usually follows be (their friendship is totally goals) and attracts intensifiers like total and AF. It also takes a noun in front, as in relationship goals. It can even be compared, more goals and most goals. As Internet slang, it suits captions and chat rather than formal writing.

3. 3
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of goal.

   The forward goals more often than anyone else on the roster.

   Every time she goals from distance, the stadium roars.

   Note

   Only the scoring meaning has a verb behind it. A forward goals by putting the ball in the net, but a planner never goals an objective. For aims, English keeps to the noun and a verb such as set or reach. The rest of the paradigm is regular: goal, goaling, goaled.

Showing meanings only. Show all 3