Canada goose

noun

: the common wild goose (Branta canadensis) of North America that is chiefly gray and brownish with black head and neck and a white patch running from the sides of the head under the throat

Illustration of Canada goose

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Some gregarious bird species, such as the Canada goose, have learned to sync their flapping and take advantage of the updraft of air created off the wings of others in the flock by flying in a wedge or V formation. —Jim Gilbert, Star Tribune, 5 Nov. 2020

For example, one pair was made up of the Hawaiian nene and the Canada goose. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2016

He's relieved that Canada goose numbers rebounded and the species is now robust. —Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2023

While potential sightings range from the Hawaiian coot to the Hawaiian gallinule, one particularly fascinating resident creature is the nēnē, a type of native goose that likely evolved from the more widespread Canada goose eons ago. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2023

Unfortunately, this Canada goose is not the only any who braved the freezing temperatures created by the deadly winter storm that rolled across the U.S. over the holiday weekend. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 28 Dec. 2022

The crew found a Canada goose near the center of the pond, the official said. —Staff, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2022

In some ways, the Canada goose is a remarkable conservation success story. —Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2022

The Canada goose belongs to a category of organisms—synanthropes—whose defining feature is a simultaneous proximity to and independence from humans. —Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 19 May 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Canada goose

noun

: a common wild goose of North America that is mostly gray and brownish with a black head and neck