gosling

American  

[goz-ling] / ˈgɒz lɪŋ /

noun

1. a young goose.

2. a foolish, inexperienced person.

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gosling British  

/ ˈɡɒzlɪŋ /

noun

1. a young goose

2. an inexperienced or youthful person

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Etymology

Origin of gosling

1375–1425; late Middle English goselyng; see goose, -ling ¹; cognate with Old Norse gæslingr

Explanation

A baby goose is called a gosling. If you visit a farm in the springtime you'll get to see all the calves, ducklings, lambs, chicks, and goslings! The word gosling has Scandinavian roots — it comes from the Old Norse gæslingr, adding a diminutive suffix to gos, or "goose." So a gosling is essentially a "gooseling," like a duckling, a smaller and cuter version of an animal. Goslings hatch from eggs in nests built close to a body of water, and they are taught to swim and feed in the water almost immediately after they hatch.

Example Sentences

An animated robot named Roz adapts to its new surroundings after being shipwrecked on a deserted island, and develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2024

Twitter user @taeerage wrote, “seeing what ryan gosling and margot robbie wear on the set of barbie is more exciting than the met gala.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2022

“He’s good,” said Steve Gross, the District resident who in May found the gosling alone on the Chesapeake Bay and took him home to his condo, fearful he’d be eaten by a predator.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2015

Is what's good for the gosling and the goose, also good for the gander?

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2012

“There really is a runty gosling who thinks the robot is his mother! How could anyone be so stupid! Do yourself a favor, gosling, and fly away before you get hurt!”

From "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown