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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

“It still gives me goose bumps,” he said.

From New York Times

“It gives me goose bumps when I think about that scene,” Thornton said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• goose flesh 
• goose pimples 
• gooseflesh 
• horripilation