Meaning & Definition
noun
A domesticated ruminant animal with a beard and long horns, often kept for milk and meat.
The farmer has a herd of goats that provide him with milk.
A wild or domesticated animal of the genus Capra, often found in mountainous regions.
We saw a mountain goat while hiking in the national park.
A person who is scape-goated or blamed for something.
He became the goat when the project failed, despite many other contributing factors.
verb
To act as a scapegoat; to take the blame for someone else's mistakes.
She felt like she was being asked to goat for her colleagues' errors.
Etymology
Old English 'gāt', from Proto-Germanic 'gaitā', traces back to Proto-Indo-European.
Common Phrases and Expressions
get someone's goat:
To annoy or irritate someone.
the goat:
Refers to someone regarded as the greatest in a particular field.
Slang Meanings
Greatest of All Time.
That quarterback is the GOAT.
Used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled.
She is the GOAT in our gaming group.