moose

noun

ˈmüs 

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

capitalized [Loyal Order of Moose] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

Illustration of moose

• moose 1

Examples of moose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dating back thousands of years, these rock carvings depict scenes from everyday life, including hunting, fishing, and social activities, as well as animals such as reindeer, moose, and bears. —David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Both moose and orcas are fascinating animals that continue to surprise scientists and the general populace alike. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Except, apparently, for an actual moose or an actual porcupine. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024

Beyond the resort, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Garnet Mountain Range, and the Mission Mountains are home to bears, mountain lions, elk, moose, and mountain goats. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett moos moose

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

moose

noun

ˈmüs 

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 

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.