goose bumps

Or goose·bumps

[goos-buhmps]

plural noun

1. a rough condition of the skin, resembling that of a plucked goose, induced by cold or fear; horripilation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of goose bumps¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

All up and down Penelope’s arms, her skin turned to goose bumps.

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Penelope felt goose bumps prickle on the back of her neck.

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“I had goose bumps and thought, ‘This is what I love.’”

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"I had a lot of goose bumps watching it."

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"Every time I look at it, I get goose bumps all over my skin," the 44-year-old says.

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Related Words

• goose flesh 
• goose pimples 
• gooseflesh 
• horripilation