-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
goose bumps
plural noun
: a roughness of the skin produced by erection of its papillae especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement
Examples of goose bumps in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The fire-engine-red convertible that gave you goose bumps on the test-drive has turned into your regular ride.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024
Wagner’s mighty horns are split across the upper arms like goose bumps, while vocals register at the wrists like a pulse.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023
Lee has been the UA House athletic director for 18 years and still gets goose bumps recalling the Urban Coalition’s intoxicating nature.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2023
My goose bumps in the desert were a social mammal’s request for warmth via touch.
—James Stewart, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2023
The song still gives me goose bumps.
—Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY, 23 June 2020
Ready to get goose bumps?
—Dallas News, 26 Dec. 2022
The sessions were giving me goose bumps.
—Tony Oppedisano, Town & Country, 8 June 2021
His compliment sends goose bumps over my skin.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 21 May 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goose bumps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1933, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near goose bumps
Cite this Entry
“Goose bumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goose%20bumps. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
goose bumps
plural noun
: a roughening of the skin caused especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement
Medical Definition
goose bumps
noun plural
: a roughness of the skin produced by erection of its papillae especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement
called also goose pimples
More from Merriam-Webster on goose bumps
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share