gosling

noun

gos·​ling ˈgäz-liŋ How to pronounce gosling (audio)
ˈgȯz-, 
-lən
1
: a young goose
2
: a foolish or callow person

Examples of gosling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Exactly how the gosling ended up with the cranes remains in dispute. — Anne Readel, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 2025 Parent Canadian geese hiss at passing dogs to protect their four young goslings. — Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 As a result, the orphaned gosling cuddled up to the surrogate mom, while the crane father got protective. — Bailey Richards, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025 Two Canada geese and six gangly brown-suède goslings walked among the refuse, while in the near distance the truck horns and the protesters’ chants rose up. — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gosling

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from gos goose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gosling was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

goslarite
gosling
gosling grass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gosling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gosling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

gosling

noun
gos·​ling ˈgäz-liŋ How to pronounce gosling (audio)
ˈgȯz-, 
-lən
: a young goose

More from Merriam-Webster on gosling

Nglish: Translation of gosling for Spanish Speakers

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