gosling

noun

gos·​ling ˈgäz-liŋ 

ˈgȯz-,

-lən

1

: a young goose

2

: a foolish or callow person

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

From the tiniest gosling and the novice directors to the design set and stage production, this stage adaptation of the best-selling children's novel received a standing ovation, engaging the hearts and minds of the audience. —Eplunus Colvin, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2023

In this view, there is nothing wrong with our gosling at all. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2020

Sergeant Jackie Noonan was squaring away paperwork when the call came in, just her and the gosling, Pronsius Swift, in Ballina Garda Station. —Colin Barrett, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2021

This gosling broke away from a pack of birds and hid behind the leg of a bench for a few seconds before poking its little head out to say hello. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2021

Sadly, the little gosling was found dead just a few months later. —Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 July 2020

Walter Kinzie has had some strange visitors at his new office -- deer, antelopes, four rattlesnakes and a mother goose and her goslings. —Kathryn Vasel, CNN, 18 May 2020

The other day, a procession of cars on a road near Stone Barns Center, the nonprofit educational farm in Pocantico Hills, New York, halted in its tracks to make way for goslings: a gaggle of them, waddling across the pavement. —Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 15 May 2020

As the spring progresses, there will be goslings, which is always a great treat. —James Gorman, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2020

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from gos goose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gosling

noun

gos·​ling ˈgäz-liŋ 

ˈgȯz-,

-lən

: a young goose