moose

noun

ˈmüs How to pronounce moose (audio)
plural moose
1
: a ruminant mammal (Alces alces) with humped shoulders, long legs, and broadly palmated antlers that is the largest existing member of the deer family and inhabits forested areas of Canada, the northern U.S., Europe, and Asia
2
Moose [Loyal Order of Moose] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

Illustration of moose

Illustration of moose
  • moose 1

Examples of moose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alligators, snakes, birds and even bears and moose have all interrupted rounds before. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Even a short drive reveals dense forests, sparkling lakes, and opportunities to spot moose. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026 Expect to see everything from elk and moose to bald eagles in one of the most stunning parks in the country. — Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026 The dog breed was originally developed in the Karelia region between Finland and Russia to hunt large game such as bears and moose. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moose

Word History

Etymology

of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett moos moose

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moose was in 1603

Rhymes for moose

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Browse Nearby Words

moory
moose
Moose
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Cite this Entry

“Moose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moose. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

moose

noun
ˈmüs How to pronounce moose (audio)
plural moose
: a large cud-chewing mammal with broad flattened antlers and humped shoulders that is related to the deer and lives in forests of Canada, the northern U.S., Europe, and Asia

Geographical Definition

Moose

geographical name

ˈmüs How to pronounce Moose (audio)
river 50 miles (80 kilometers) long in northeastern Ontario, Canada, flowing northeast into James Bay

Note: The Moose River is actually an estuary of the Abitibi, Mattagami, and other rivers.

More from Merriam-Webster on moose

Nglish: Translation of moose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moose

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