# goose

/ˈɡus/ (US) · /ɡˈuːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goose
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR A2

a large water bird with a long neck that is bigger than a duck.

For teachers: any of various large grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae, characterized by a long neck and webbed feet.

- A large white goose was swimming slowly across the pond.
- The flock of geese flew in a perfect V-formation as they began their annual migration south for the winter.

### 2. silly person

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal · Humorous

a person who is acting a bit silly or foolish.

For teachers: a person who behaves in a foolish or lighthearted manner.

- Don't be such a goose; you know I was only joking.
- He felt like a bit of a goose after realizing he had been wearing his jumper inside out all morning.

### 3. meat

noun · CEFR B2

the meat of a goose used for food.

For teachers: the flesh of the goose prepared as culinary meat.

- Many families in Europe serve roast goose for Christmas dinner.
- The chef recommended the slow-roasted goose, served with a side of tart apple sauce to balance the richness of the meat.

### 4. to poke

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to quickly poke or pinch someone on their bottom as a joke.

For teachers: to sharply poke or pinch a person in the buttocks, typically as a prank.

- He tried to goose his friend as a prank, but his friend saw him coming.
- The locker-room antics often involved teammates trying to goose one another when they weren't paying attention.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

### 5. to stimulate or boost

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

to give something a boost or to make it move faster.

For teachers: to stimulate, spur, or increase the activity or speed of something.

- The company tried to goose sales by offering a huge discount.
- The central bank's decision to lower interest rates was a clear attempt to goose the sluggish economy before the election.

## Examples

- A large goose is swimming in the pond.
- The farmer keeps a flock of geese to help protect the property from intruders.
- Migratory geese are known for flying in a distinctive V-formation to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy during long-distance journeys.

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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.