goose

goose · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large waterbird with a long neck, short legs, webbed feet, and a short broad bill, often kept for its meat and eggs.

  2. 2.

    (informal) To poke someone unexpectedly in the buttocks.

  3. 3.

    A female goose (as opposed to a gander, which is male).

  4. 4.

    To give something a boost or increase.

  5. 5.

    (informal) A silly or foolish person.

Forms

plural: geese

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    wild goose chase — A foolish and hopeless pursuit
  • •
    cook someone's goose — To ruin someone's plans or chances
  • •
    what's good for the goose is good for the gander — What applies to one should apply equally to another
  • •
    goose bumps/goose pimples — Raised bumps on the skin from cold or fear
  • •
    kill the goose that lays the golden eggs — To destroy a valuable source of income

Related words

See also: duck, gander, poultry, swan
Synonyms: gander (male), waterfowl

Etymology

From Old English gōs, from Proto-Germanic gans, from Proto-Indo-European ghans-. The irregular plural "geese" preserves an ancient Germanic vowel change pattern.