goose

noun

ˈgüs 

plural geese ˈgēs 

1

a

: any of numerous large waterfowl (family Anatidae) that are intermediate between the swans and ducks and have long necks, feathered lores, and reticulate tarsi

b

: a female goose as distinguished from a gander

2

: simpleton, dolt

3

plural gooses : a tailor's smoothing iron with a gooseneck handle

4

plural gooses : a poke between the buttocks

Synonyms of goose

• fool
• lunatic
• turkey
• maniac
• idiot
• moron
• nut

Examples of goose in a Sentence

don't be such a silly goose—you're dressed just fine for the party

Recent Examples on the Web

This typically gets worse over time and is often accompanied by a harsh goose-honking cough triggered by excitement or exercise. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Each spring since then, the National Park Service scrubs out a year’s worth of goose poop and other debris to keep the pool clean and the algae away. —Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026

Here, vintage enthusiasts share a quick history, explain the modern-day resurgence, and divulge tips for finding your own porch goose and dressing it up. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Boyson surrendered the baby goose the next day and it was transported to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn, police said. —Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gos, from Old English gōs; akin to Old High German gans goose, Latin anser, Greek chēn

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing goose

• barnacle goose
• brent goose
• Canada goose
• cook one's goose
• cook someone's goose
• goose bumps
• goose egg
• goose pimples
• goose-step
• Hawaiian goose
• kill the golden goose
• snow goose
• the golden goose
• the goose that lays the golden egg
• Their goose was cooked
• what's good for the goose is good for the gander
• what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander
• wild-goose chase

Rhymes for goose

• coos
• cruce
• deuce
• douce
• duce
• hoose
• juice
• loose
• mousse
• noose
• nous
• sluice

Kids Definition

goose

noun

ˈgüs

plural geese

ˈgēs

1

a

: any of numerous birds with long necks that are larger than the related ducks and smaller than swans

b

: a female goose in contrast to a gander

2

: a person lacking in common sense

3

plural gooses : an iron with a gooseneck handle used by tailors for smoothing clothes