noun
gosling
GAHZ-ling/ˈɡɑːzlɪŋ/
A young goose.
The downy gosling stands on webbed feet beside the grass.
Etymology
The goose element and diminutive ending identify a young bird rather than a separate species. The word may be a Middle English formation or come from Old Norse gæslingr, likewise meaning “young goose.”
In context
The once fragile gosling has survived its first year and now returns as a mature young goose.
More examples
- Three goslings paddle behind the adult geese.
- The gosling pecks at the tender grass.
- We keep our distance so we don't frighten the goslings.
Forms
gosling · goslings
goose noun — A large waterbird with a long neck.
Similar words
- chick
- A young bird, especially a chicken, rather than specifically a goose.