goose

1 of 2

noun

ˈgüs How to pronounce goose (audio)
plural geese ˈgēs How to pronounce goose (audio)
Synonyms of goosenext
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

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

Synonyms

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Best Deal: Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow Luxe Goose Down Pillow $313 $120 Quince Pillow reviewer: Katherine McLaughlin, digital features editor Materials and firmness: The pillow is filled with white goose down and has a 100% cotton sateen shell. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025 This $189 coat is filled with 700-fill-power goose down to keep you warm without adding unnecessary bulk to your carry-on. — Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
The 10-year yield has been mostly climbing since then, in the opposite direction the Fed has taken short-term rates, as the U.S. economy has remained solid and as worries built about tariffs, increasing deficits and other potential policies that could goose inflation along with economic growth. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025 The bill seems like an easy way to goose interest in Bigfoot and to reap the tourist dollars that come from that interest. — Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goose

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

Phrases Containing goose

Rhymes for goose

See All Rhymes for goose

Browse Nearby Words

goose
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Cite this Entry

“Goose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goose. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of goose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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