It is the result or achievement towards which the effort towards a goal is directed, although this is not all that goal means.
The word gol appears in a poem from the early 14c. Perhaps from Old English *gal “obstacle, barrier”, an implicit word in gælan “to hinder”. Or the old French “a pole” gaule, from the Germanic; or a figurative use of the gale of Middle English “a way, course”.
Other definitions of goal:
- The sporty feeling of the “place where the ball is placed to score” is attested from the 1540s.
- The act of throwing, carrying, kicking, driving, etc., a ball or puck in such an area or object.
- An area, basket, cage, or other object or structure toward or into which players in various games attempt to throw, carry, kick, hit, or handle a ball, puck, etc., to score a point or points.
You already know the meaning of goal.