What is the Feminine Gender of Gander?

In English grammar, memorizing the masculine and feminine names of animals is a common vocabulary exercise. While we generally use one common word for the animal, there are specific terms for the male and female. A very common exam question involves the word 'Gander'.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the plural of Goose?

Answer

The plural of Goose is Geese. (You do not say Gooses). However, the plural of Gander is simply Ganders.

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Key Facts

Geese are famous for their extreme loyalty. Unlike many other birds, a gander and a goose usually mate for life and stay together until one of them dies.

There is a famous old English proverb: 'What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.' It means that if something is acceptable for one person (a woman), it should be equally acceptable for another person (a man).

1. The Correct Answer

The feminine gender of a Gander is a Goose.

Therefore, a male is called a Gander, and a female is called a Goose.

2. Understanding the Terminology

Goose: While 'Goose' is technically the specific name for the female, it is also used as the general, common name for the entire species (just like we use 'Dog' generally, even though technically a female is a bitch).
Gander: This word is strictly used only for the adult male of the species.
Gosling: A baby goose (whether male or female) is called a gosling.
Flock/Gaggle: When a group of these birds are walking together on the ground, they are called a 'Gaggle'. When they are flying in the sky in a V-shape, they are called a 'Skein'.

3. Example Sentences

"The farmer bought one male gander and three female geese for his pond."
"The aggressive gander chased the children away from the nest to protect the mother goose."

Questions and Answers

What is the plural of Goose?+

The plural of Goose is Geese. (You do not say Gooses). However, the plural of Gander is simply Ganders.

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