Goose (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun, plural geese [gees] /gis/ for 1, 2, 4, 8; goos·es for 5-7.
  1. any of numerous wild or domesticated, web-footed swimming birds of the family Anatidae, especially of the genera Anser and Branta, most of which are larger and have a longer neck and legs than the ducks.
  2. a female bird of the family Anatidae, especially of genera Anser and Branta, as distinguished from the male, or gander.
  3. the flesh of a bird of the family Anatidae, especially of genera Anser and Branta, used as food.
  4. a silly or foolish person; simpleton.
  5. a poke between the buttocks to startle.
  6. anything that energizes, strengthens, or the like: to give the economy a badly needed goose.
  7. a tailor's smoothing iron with a curved handle.
  8. an obsolete board game played with dice and counters in which a player whose cast falls in a square containing the picture of a goose is allowed to advance double the number of their throw.
verb (used with object), goosed, goos·ing.
  1. to poke (a person) between the buttocks to startle.
  2. Informal.
    • to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction: The promise of time off may goose the workers and increase profits.
    • to strengthen or improve (often followed by up): Let's goose up the stew with some wine.
    • to increase; raise (often followed by up): to goose up government loans in weak industries.
    • to give a spurt of fuel to (a motor) to increase speed.
Idioms
  1. to ruin someone's hopes, plans, chances, etc.: His goose was cooked when they found the stolen gems in his pocket.
noun plural geese (ɡiːs)
  1. any of various web-footed long-necked birds of the family Anatidae: order Anseriformes. They are typically larger and less aquatic than ducks and are gregarious and migratory
  2. the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (gander)
  3. a silly person
  4. a pressing iron with a long curving handle, used esp by tailors
  5. the flesh of the goose, used as food
  6. he constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing
  7. cook someone's goose informal
    • to spoil someone's plans
    • to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc
  8. to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs
verb
  1. to prod (a person) playfully in the behind
noun plural gooses
  1. a playful prod in the behind
Goose (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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