goose bumps

plural noun

: a roughness of the skin produced by erection of its papillae especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

Examples of goose bumps in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The fire-engine-red convertible that gave you goose bumps on the test-drive has turned into your regular ride. Jessica Dulong, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 Wagner’s mighty horns are split across the upper arms like goose bumps, while vocals register at the wrists like a pulse. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 Lee has been the UA House athletic director for 18 years and still gets goose bumps recalling the Urban Coalition’s intoxicating nature. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2023 My goose bumps in the desert were a social mammal’s request for warmth via touch. James Stewart, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2023 The song still gives me goose bumps. Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY, 23 June 2020 Ready to get goose bumps? Dallas News, 26 Dec. 2022 The sessions were giving me goose bumps. Tony Oppedisano, Town & Country, 8 June 2021 His compliment sends goose bumps over my skin. Ew Staff, EW.com, 21 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goose bumps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goose bumps was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near goose bumps

Cite this Entry

“Goose bumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goose%20bumps. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

goose bumps

noun plural
: a roughening of the skin caused especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

Medical Definition

goose bumps

noun plural
: a roughness of the skin produced by erection of its papillae especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

called also goose pimples

More from Merriam-Webster on goose bumps

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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