noun

goosebumps

GOOSS-bumps

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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.”

noun

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.

"The final chorus gave me goosebumps."

"She stepped out of the pool covered in goosebumps."

How to use goosebumps

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe little bumps on your skin when you are cold or moved by something.

When to use it

Everyday English. Goosebumps is the usual American and increasingly international form; goose pimples is the traditional British one.

Memory tip

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 ↓

Easily confused with

goose pimples gooseflesh hives →

Common pairings

give me goosebumps covered in goosebumps goosebumps down my arms

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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 “goosebumps” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

gooseflesh goose pimples horripilation

Related words

horripilation

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.

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