Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒslɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "gosling" is spelled with the letters G-O-S-L-I-N-G. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced ˈɡɑz.lɪŋ, with a hard "g" sound followed by an "a" vowel sound. The "s" and "l" sounds are pronounced distinctly, while the final "-ing" is pronounced with a nasal sound represented by the symbol ŋ. A gosling is a young goose and is often used to refer to a baby bird that has not yet learned to fly.
A gosling is a noun that refers to a young goose, specifically a newborn or juvenile goose that hasn't yet fully matured. The term gosling is commonly used to describe both male and female young geese. Goslings are characterized by their fluffy down feathers, which are typically soft and light in color, often ranging from white to gray or yellowish hues. These young geese possess a cute and endearing appearance, with their small size, round bodies, and short legs.
Goslings typically hatch from eggs laid by adult geese, after an incubation period of around a month. At birth, they are completely dependent on their parents for protection, nourishment, and guidance. As they grow, goslings learn various social skills and physical abilities from their adult counterparts, such as flying, foraging for food, and swimming.
In popular culture, goslings are often depicted as adorable and innocent creatures, commonly featured in children’s stories, nursery rhymes, and illustrations associated with springtime or farm-life. They symbolize youthfulness, purity, and new beginnings. Goslings also play an important role in wildlife conservation and birdwatching, as they contribute to the diverse and splendid avian world. Overall, goslings are cherished for their charming appearance and the joy they bring to nature enthusiasts and animal admirers alike.
A young goose; a catkin on nut-trees and pines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gosling" comes from Middle English "goslyng", which is a diminutive form of "goos" (meaning "goose"). The Middle English term itself can be traced back to Old English "gōslic" or "goslec". The original root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "gans" meaning "goose". Ultimately, the word "gosling" is derived from an ancient Germanic root.
