moose

noun

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

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.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting moose, bears and bald eagles, particularly in the early mornings or late evenings. Andrea Agostni Ferrer, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 Our reindeer-adjacent vocabulary is pretty much confined to caribou, moose, Rudolph, Dancer, Dasher, Comet, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid and Blitzen. Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 In recent years the federal government has chipped away at opportunities on federal land for caribou, moose, sheep, and bear hunters. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025 The moose, later identified as a bull moose that lost its antlers, was in the water for about two hours before it was rescued. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Moose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moose. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

moose

noun
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

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.

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