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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 Except that the goose bumps never come. Washington Post, 4 May 2021 Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include: anxiety, sleeplessness, yawning, fever, sweating, teary eyes, runny nose, goose bumps, shakiness, hot or cold flushes, muscle aches, muscle twitches, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. Ben Busby And Kristen Yelton, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2020 The scooting gust of wind, goose bumps, suspension of breath, and vertigo — a set of experiences comprising a sort of fairground anaesthesia — prepare you for the fatal part of the ride. Bill Andrews, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2017 This time, when the students sang, their voices produced a rich, sonorous harmony that brought goose bumps. Cecilia Ballí, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2022 See More

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of goose bumps was in 1933

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 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

goose bumps

noun plural
: 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

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