- 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.
- a female bird of the family Anatidae, especially of genera Anser and Branta, as distinguished from the male, or gander.
- the flesh of a bird of the family Anatidae, especially of genera Anser and Branta, used as food.
- a silly or foolish person; simpleton.
- a poke between the buttocks to startle.
- anything that energizes, strengthens, or the like: to give the economy a badly needed goose.
- a tailor's smoothing iron with a curved handle.
- 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.
- to poke (a person) between the buttocks to startle.
- 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.
- to ruin someone's hopes, plans, chances, etc.: His goose was cooked when they found the stolen gems in his pocket.
- 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
- the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (gander)
- a silly person
- a pressing iron with a long curving handle, used esp by tailors
- the flesh of the goose, used as food
- he constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing
- cook someone's goose informal
- to spoil someone's plans
- to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc
- to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs
- to prod (a person) playfully in the behind
- a playful prod in the behind