goosebumps
Goosebumps (noun) means the small raised bumps that appear on the skin when you are cold, frightened or deeply moved, caused by tiny muscles pulling the hairs upright. Example: “The final chorus gave me goosebumps.”
How to use goosebumps
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe little bumps on your skin when you are cold or moved by something.
Everyday English. Goosebumps is the usual American and increasingly international form; goose pimples is the traditional British one.
Used in the plural. In the emotional sense it is a compliment: saying a performance gave you goosebumps means it moved you.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The final chorus gave me _____.
Etymology
So called because the bumpy skin resembles that of a plucked goose.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between goosebumps and goose pimples?
None at all; they are regional variants for the same thing. Goosebumps dominates in American English, goose pimples in older British usage, and gooseflesh is the more literary term.
Why do we get goosebumps when we are not cold?
The same reflex that fluffs up fur to trap heat also fluffs it up to make an animal look bigger when threatened or excited. Humans kept the reflex but lost the fur, so strong emotion, music or fear still triggers it even in a warm room.
Is there a medical name for goosebumps?
Yes, horripilation, also called the pilomotor reflex. It describes the contraction of the tiny arrector pili muscles attached to each hair follicle.
What is the meaning of goosebumps?
"goosebumps" (noun) means the small raised bumps that appear on the skin when you are cold, frightened or deeply moved, caused by tiny muscles pulling the hairs upright.