Word: Goat

Pronunciation

/ɡoʊt/

Definitions

• Noun: A domesticated mammal, Capra aegagrus hircus, typically having horns and a beard, often kept for its milk, meat, hair, or skin. For example: “She milked the goats every morning.”
• Noun (figurative): A person who is considered foolish, silly, or obstinate. For example: “He’s acting like a stubborn old goat.”
• Noun (informal): A scapegoat; someone blamed for the mistakes or wrongdoings of others. For example: “He became the goat when the project failed.”

Phrases

• “Get someone’s goat”: To irritate or annoy someone. For example: “His constant interruptions really get my goat.”
• “Play the goat”: To act in a silly or mischievous manner. For example: “The kids were playing the goat during the class photo session.”
• “scapegoat”: A person or thing that bears the blame for others. For example: “In the aftermath of the scandal, he was made the scapegoat and lost his job.”

Example Sentences

• Noun (animal): “The farmer herded the goats up the hillside to graze.”
• Noun (figurative): “Don’t be such a goat and apologize for your mistake.”
• Noun (informal): “After the financial crisis, many blamed him as the goat for their losses.”

Synonyms

• Sheep-goat (referring to the animal)
• Fool (in the figurative sense)
• Buffoon
• Scapegoat (in the informal sense)