goose

1 of 2

noun

plural geese ˈgēs How to pronounce goose (audio)
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
3
plural gooses : a tailor's smoothing iron with a gooseneck handle
4
plural gooses : a poke between the buttocks

goose

2 of 2

verb

goosed; goosing

transitive verb

1
: to poke between the buttocks with an upward thrust
2
: to increase the activity, speed, power, intensity, or amount of : spur
an effort to goose newsstand sales

Examples of goose in a Sentence

Noun don't be such a silly goose—you're dressed just fine for the party
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The goose was seen walking in the area of College Park Elementary School, 3700 Chaparral Avenue, on Dec. 28, when it was retrieved by an Animal Services Officer and died on its way to receive medical treatment, the Irvine Police Department said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday. Mona Darwish, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 It’s filled with an ultra-warm goose down that retains warmth and feels super squishy and soft. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 Republicans have decided that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 11 Jan. 2024 Down filling is made from the soft plumage under a duck or goose’s feathers and is known for its ability to provide warmth and fluffiness to a variety of goods with minimal weight. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 Made up of 80 percent goose down and 20 percent feathers, the insulation technology boasts lightweight, breathable heat retention and the ability to stay warm when wet. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2023 Down, which is the fluffy coat beneath the feathers of a duck or goose, is popular due to its ability to insulate while still remaining breathable. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2023 Greater white-fronted goose (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune) The waterfowl migration to San Diego County is getting under way, said Nancy Christensen, president of the San Diego Field Ornithologists, with the greater white-fronted goose being among the group. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2023 The Wunder Puff Cropped Vest is made with water-repellent and windproof fabric to protect you against the elements, and it’s stuffed with goose down to enhance insulation. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 15 Jan. 2024
Verb
Made from recycled down, more specifically a combination of reclaimed duck and goose down, this jacket will keep the kiddos warm all season long. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 With a mix of goose feathers and goose down filling, the comforter has a medium weight, and the outside is made of breathable cotton. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 There are two words that can push you into self-doubt and loneliness; two words that can goose spasms of bitterness and regret; two words that force you to look at relationships, life decisions and choices in stark relief. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2023 By goosing justifications and taking other maneuvers to drive work to unproven but well-connected partners, the Navy itself has caused both delay and price increases at the Navy’s big shipyards. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Common comforter fill is made down or goose down, cotton, wool, polyester, and synthetic materials. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2024 At the same time, Trump has remained highly resistant to GOP efforts to goose turnout among low-propensity voters. W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023 The Fed helped by cutting borrowing costs for consumers and businesses and by buying trillions of dollars’ worth of government and mortgage-backed securities to goose the economy. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 28 Jan. 2024 Duck down tends to be slightly less expensive than goose down. Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

circa 1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goose was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near goose

Cite this Entry

“Goose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goose. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on goose

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