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Definition of gooseflesh

gooseflesh

/ˈɡuːs.flɛʃ/
goose · flesh
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gooseflesh Lexical Profile

gooseflesh Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A temporary condition of the skin in which small bumps appear around the base of the hairs due to cold, fear, or strong emotion.

Example

"The sudden drop in temperature inside the cavern gave everyone gooseflesh."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gooseflesh

• Nearby Words

goosebump
goosebumps
goosefish
gooseflesh
gooseneck
goosey
gopher

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century as a compound of 'goose' and 'flesh', from the resemblance of human skin with raised hair follicles to the bumpy skin of a plucked goose.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gooseflesh. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gooseflesh
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