gander

UK: ˈɡændə | US: ˈɡændər

Definition

  1. n. 1. an adult male goose

  2. n. 2. (informal) a quick look or glance

Structure

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Etymology

The word "gander" traces back to Old English gandra, derived from Proto-Germanic gan(d)raz, meaning "male goose." Unlike many modern English words, it lacks separable prefixes or suffixes. Its informal sense of "a glance" (early 19th century) humorously alludes to the way geese stretch their necks to look around.

Examples

  1. The farmer noticed a lone gander leading the flock of geese.

  2. She took a quick gander at the newspaper headlines.

  3. The children giggled at the gander’s loud honking.

  4. "Take a gander at this!" he said, pointing to the sunset.

  5. In folklore, the gander is often portrayed as protective and vigilant.