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Geese Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆข
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geese

[giหs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal type

Geese are large waterfowl that belong to the family Anatidae. They are known for their long necks, webbed feet, and distinctive honking calls. Geese are social birds that often form strong family bonds and migrate in V-shaped flocks during seasonal changes.

Synonyms

birds, fowl, waterfowl.

Examples of usage

  • The geese flew overhead in a perfect V formation.
  • We saw a family of geese paddling across the pond.
  • During the fall, many geese migrate south for the winter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, geese symbolize loyalty and partnership, often believed to mate for life.
  • Geese are featured in many stories and folk tales, such as 'The Ugly Duckling' by Hans Christian Andersen, which emphasizes themes of transformation.

Science and Behavior

  • Geese are known for their migratory behavior, flying in a 'V' formation to conserve energy during long journeys.
  • These birds have strong social bonds, often forming family units, which help them protect each other and their young.

Pop Culture

  • The animated movie 'Charlotteโ€™s Web' features a goose named Gander, showcasing the charming and clever nature of geese.
  • In video games and literature, such as the 'Untitled Goose Game,' geese are portrayed as mischievous, adding humor to their characterization.

Conservation

  • Some species of geese, like the Snow Goose, have been a focus of conservation efforts due to changing habitats and climate effects.
  • Management of geese populations is important in urban areas to control their impact on local ecosystems and public areas.

Origin of 'geese'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'gฤ“s,' which traces back to Germanic origins and has been used for many centuries.
  • In plural form, 'geese' is an example of an irregular plural in English, changing the vowel sound instead of simply adding 's'.

The word 'goose' comes from the Old English word 'gลs,' which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'gans' and Dutch 'gans.' The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, often symbolizing migration and loyalty due to the geese's migratory patterns and strong familial bonds. In addition to its literal meaning, 'goose' has also been used metaphorically in English literature and colloquialisms, showcasing its cultural significance. The plural form 'geese' has survived from Old English, reflecting the irregular patterns of pluralization that exist in the language. As one of the earliest domesticated birds, geese have been important to human societies for thousands of years, valued for their meat, eggs, and feathers.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,207, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.