Goose Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary mobile search

• Home
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

×

• Britannica Homepage
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary goose 14 ENTRIES FOUND:

• goose (noun)
• goose (verb)
• goose bumps (noun)
• goose egg (noun)
• goose step (noun)
• Canada goose (noun)
• wild goose chase (noun)
• cook (verb)
• egg (noun)
• gander (noun)
• golden (adjective)
• good (adjective)
• lay (verb)
• sauce (noun)

1 goose /ˈguːs/ noun plural geese /ˈgiːs/ 1 goose /ˈguːs/ noun plural geese /ˈgiːs/ Britannica Dictionary definition of GOOSE 1 [count] : 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 flock/gaggle of geese

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [count] : a female goose — compare gander 3 [noncount] : the meat of a goose used as food

• roast goose

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4 [count] informal + old-fashioned : a foolish or silly person — usually singular

• You silly goose.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

cook someone's goose

— see 2cook

the golden goose

or the goose that lays the golden egg : something that is a very good source of money or business

• The city's leaders don't want to do anything that could kill the golden goose of tourism.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

what's good for the goose is good for the gander

(US) or chiefly British what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander — used to say that one person or situation should be treated the same way that another person or situation is treated

• If he can go out with his friends at night, then she should be able to, too. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

wouldn't say boo to a goose

— see 1boo — see also wild goose chase 2 goose /ˈguːs/ verb gooses; goosed; goosing 2 goose /ˈguːs/ verb gooses; goosed; goosing Britannica Dictionary definition of GOOSE [+ object] US, informal 1 : to touch or pinch (someone) on the buttocks 2 : to increase the activity or amount of (something)

• They hope the new product will help to goose (up) profits.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR

What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer »

QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY

roadblock : a place where police stop drivers Learn More »

1. About Us & Legal Info
2. Contact Us
3. Privacy Notice
4. Terms of Use
5. Pronunciation Symbols
6. Help

© 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.