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goose

noun
\ ˈgüs How to pronounce goose (audio) \
plural geese\ ˈgēs How to pronounce geese (audio) \

Definition of goose

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

verb
goosed; goosing

Definition of goose (Entry 2 of 2)

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 More Example Sentences Learn More about goose

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Synonyms for goose

Synonyms: Noun

berk [British], booby, charlie (also charley) [British], cuckoo, ding-a-ling, ding-dong, dingbat, dipstick, doofus [slang], featherhead, fool, git [British], half-wit, jackass, lunatic, mooncalf, nincompoop, ninny, ninnyhammer, nit [chiefly British], nitwit, nut, nutcase, simp, simpleton, turkey, yo-yo

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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

 This original musical leads audiences on a merry goose chase from 221B Baker Street all the way to the Tower of London. — Lisa Herendeen, The Mercury News, "S.F. Bay Area calendar: Greek festival, comedy and more," 25 Aug. 2019 Dang hijacks the action with a mystical wild goose chase involving a mysterious old man in a trench coat stuffed with garlic bulbs (gamely played by Jully Lee in one of her multiple roles). — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Korean family drama ‘Hannah and the Dread Gazebo’ casts too many spells," 19 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'goose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of goose

Noun

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

Verb

circa 1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for goose

Noun

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

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More Definitions for goose

goose

noun
How to pronounce goose (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of goose

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: any one of many different kinds of birds that swim, that are larger than ducks, and that have a long neck and webbed feet
: a female goose
: the meat of a goose used as food

goose

verb

English Language Learners Definition of goose (Entry 2 of 2)

US, informal
: to touch or pinch (someone) on the buttocks
: to increase the activity or amount of (something)

See the full definition for goose in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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