goat

1 of 2

noun

plural goats
1
a
or plural goat : any of various hollow-horned ruminant mammals (especially of the genus Capra) related to the sheep but of lighter build and with backwardly arching horns, a short tail, and usually straight hair
especially : one (Capra hircus) long domesticated for its milk, wool, and flesh
b
capitalized : capricorn
2
: a licentious man : lecher
3
goatish adjective
goatlike adjective

GOAT

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

variants or less commonly G.O.A.T.
plural GOATs also G.O.A.T.s
: the greatest of all time : the most accomplished and successful individual in the history of a particular sport or category of performance or activity
As much fun as it is to debate who is the greatest in NBA history, it's pointless, a question for which there can be no definitive answer …. The list of players who could be considered the GOAT is long, and each one is worthy in his own right.Nancy Armour
There's no denying what Aaron Rodgers has done in his career, but to say Rodgers is the GOAT is a big statement considering what Tom Brady has accomplished.Pro Football Weekly
Former President (and arguably the GOAT of post-presidency careers) Jimmy Carter is leasing 10 acres of his Georgia peanut farm to SolAmerica to create a 1.3MW solar array.Walter Einenkel
If championships alone are the measuring stick, then Michael [Jordan] is probably going to remain the popular choice as the GOAT. But if I can go on aesthetics alone, I know I'd rather watch LeBron [James].Bob Ryan

Examples of goat in a Sentence

Noun In the last inning, a home run can make you the hero, and a strikeout can make you the goat. an unhappy childhood was the goat he used to rationalize every failure and shortcoming
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Samples from the adult goats were negative for HPAI and all appeared healthy with no more sick goat kids being reported since March 11. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2024 On a nearby block, for vaguely environmental reasons, a dozen goats used to roam free. Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The annual parade, traditionally led by a goat pulling a keg and the reigning Sausage Queen, will start to form in front of Arnold's Bar & Grill, at 210 E. Eighth St., at 5 p.m. Friday, March 1. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 In addition to the new building, the funding would be used to upgrade UMES' vet facilities, especially the farm that features small ruminant animals including sheep, goats, and a chicken coop. USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 Colorado Parks and Wildlife captured and euthanized a mountain lion in Silverthorne believed to be involved in two incidents involving goats and a dog, according to a news release. The Summit Daily, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Banker specifies that baby goats are used exclusively for goat yoga. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 There was a baby goat, Coco, whose mother was killed by the fire. Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs Desiree Rios, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Jim Tarbell, then the owner of both Arnold’s and Grammer’s, offered roasted goat and suckling pig at the former and piles of sausages, including bockwurst, metts and andouille, from Avril & Son butcher shop (now Avril-Bleh) at the latter. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024
Abbreviation or noun
The Italian fashion label has continued its partnership with Roc Nation to deliver an all-new collection of luxury apparel and accessories, designed by rap GOAT Jay-Z. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2024 Has everyone forgotten about Goldilocks, the GOAT centrist? Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2024 For his part, Taylor — who played his entire career for the Giants from 1981-1993 — couldn’t believe that given his GOAT status, Brady remains the league’s leader for most sacks ever with 565. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023 The model comes in various materials and colorways, but the GOAT opted for a titanium case and a black rubber strap. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023 No one disputes Serena Williams’ GOAT status and no one maligns women’s tennis as less than the men’s. Melissah Yang, refinery29.com, 3 Oct. 2023 Simone Biles is continuing to dominate in gymnastics, cementing her status as the GOAT. Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 2 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gote, from Old English gāt; akin to Old High German geiz goat, Old Norse geit, Latin haedus kid

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Abbreviation Or Noun

1996, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goat was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near goat

Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goat. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

goat

noun
plural goat or goats
1
: any of various cud-chewing mammals having hollow horns that curve backward, a short tail, and usually straight hair and related to the sheep but of lighter build
especially : one raised for its milk, wool, and flesh
2
goatlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on goat

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