Definition

A condition where the skin becomes bumpy and raised, often due to cold or fear, resembling the skin of a plucked goose.

Example

When she heard the scary story, she felt gooseflesh on her arms.

Conversation

Did you feel that chill in the air last night?

Yeah, it gave me serious gooseflesh all over!

I thought I was the only one who felt that way.

Nope, it was definitely spooky outside!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gooseflesh is formed from "goose" (from Old English *gōs*, meaning the bird) and "flesh" (from Old English *flesc*, meaning the soft substance of the body). The term describes the skin's appearance resembling that of a plucked goose, often due to cold or fear.

Memory Tip

Imagine the skin looking like a plucked 'goose' — that's why 'gooseflesh' refers to the bumpy texture of skin when you're cold or scared.

Visually Confused Words