# goggles

/ˈɡɑɡəɫz/ (US) · /ɡˈɒɡəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goggles
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. protective eyewear

noun · CEFR A2

special glasses that fit tightly against your skin to keep out water, dust, or chemicals.

For teachers: protective eyewear with a flexible frame that fits snugly against the face to prevent the entry of water, wind, or hazardous materials.

- You must wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes from the chlorine in the pool.
- The laboratory safety protocol requires all researchers to wear chemical-resistant goggles whenever they are handling volatile substances.

Usage: Always used in the plural form when referring to the eyewear.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse these with 'glasses'. Remind them that goggles are for protection or sport, while glasses are for seeing better.

### 3. to stare

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to look at something with your eyes wide open because you are surprised.

For teachers: to stare with wide or bulging eyes, typically in a state of astonishment or disbelief.

- The crowd started to goggle at the giant balloon floating over the city.
- The tourists stood there goggling at the sheer height of the cathedral, their mouths agape in silent wonder.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'at'.

Teaching tip: This verb is much less common than the noun. It suggests a physical bulging of the eyes.

## Examples

- You must wear goggles when you swim in the pool.
- The chemistry teacher reminded every student to put on their safety goggles before starting the experiment with the acid.
- While modern ski goggles offer advanced UV protection and anti-fog coatings, their primary function remains shielding the wearer's eyes from high-velocity wind and snow glare.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.