gooseneck

[ goos-nek ]

noun

1. a curved object resembling the neck of a goose, often of flexible construction, as in the shaft of a gooseneck lamp.
2. Nautical. a curved piece at the foot of a boom, attached to a mast by a vertical pivot and itself having a horizontal pivot so that the boom can be pointed in a wide angle vertically or horizontally.
3. Carpentry. a vertical continuation of the handrail of a flight of stairs, terminating in a short horizontal part on the top of a newel post.

gooseneck

/ ˈɡuːsˌnɛk /

noun

1. nautical a pivot between the forward end of a boom and a mast, to allow the boom to swing freely
2. something in the form of a neck of a goose

Derived Forms

• ˈgooseˌnecked, adjective

Other Words From

• goosenecked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gooseneck¹

First recorded in 1680–90; goose + neck

Example Sentences

Below this insert is a surprisingly large gooseneck pop filter that’s reminiscent of the Shure Popper Stopper and which offers a more substantial level of coverage than I expected.

From Popular-Science

These open ocean dwellers included gooseneck barnacles, crabs, and filter-feeding animals called bryozoans.

From Popular-Science

Gooseneck or square spouts provide a modern look that aligns with a spalike feel, and a single-lever handle makes for easy cleaning, she says.

From Washington Post

The flexible gooseneck design allows you to pinpoint where you want the light, so it’s easy to move it closer or farther away for more control.

From Popular-Science

This gooseneck kettle from Cosori has many of the same temperature control features as our other favorites with a little bit of a different design.

From Popular-Science

At the present moment the Snark trails her mainsail like a broken wing, the gooseneck being replaced by a rough lashing.

From Project Gutenberg

Twisting the gooseneck in his hand, Brad sucked in a deep breath and blew it out in a rush.

From Project Gutenberg

The kerosene can I set over the lamp, and to its nose I affixed a snout, and into the snout the bone that was like a gooseneck.

From Project Gutenberg

Brad reached out to extend the gooseneck of the mike toward him.

From Project Gutenberg

Lighting is accomplished by the use of gooseneck lamps, floodlights, or a spotlight.

From Project Gutenberg