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.
Their test subject was reportedly a moose cadaver. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026 On a remote Maine logging road, a couple out for a day of fishing unexpectedly encountered a black bear chasing a frantic moose calf toward their truck. — Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Yellowstone visitors are advised to remain at least 25 yards away from wildlife in the park, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer moose and coyotes, according to the agency. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Park goers are advised to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals -- including bison, as well as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes -- and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 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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