noun

goitre

GOY-tuh

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Goitre (noun) means a swelling at the front and sides of the neck caused by an enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland. Example: “The doctor noticed a small goitre when examining her neck.”

noun

pathology, UK A swelling at the front and sides of the neck caused by an enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland.

"The doctor noticed a small goitre when examining her neck."

"An untreated thyroid condition can lead to a visible goitre."

"Iodine deficiency is a common cause of goitre in some parts of the world."

How to use goitre

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA goitre is a swelling in the neck caused by a thyroid problem.

When to use it

Goitre is a medical term used mainly in British English; American English uses goiter.

Memory tip

Remember the spelling swap: goitre in the UK, goiter in the US, both said the same way.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

goiter

Common pairings

visible goitre enlarged goitre thyroid goitre develop a goitre

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “goitre” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor noticed a small _____ when examining her neck.

Etymology

Goitre was borrowed from French, tracing back either to Old French goitron, meaning throat or neck, or to the French word goitreux, meaning goitered, used as its source.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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struma goiter thyromegaly

Rhymes for goitre

litre decalitre

See all rhymes for goitre →

Frequently asked questions

What is a goitre?

A goitre is a swelling of the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland.

What causes a goitre?

A goitre is caused by inflammation or enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Is goitre the same as goiter?

Yes, goitre and goiter are the same word; goitre is the British spelling and goiter is the American spelling.

What is the meaning of goitre?

"goitre" (noun) means a swelling at the front and sides of the neck caused by an enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland.