moss

1 of 2

noun

ˈmȯs 

1

chiefly Scotland : bog, swamp

especially : a peat bog

2

a

: any of a class (Musci) of bryophytic plants characterized by a gametophyte having a small leafy often tufted stem bearing sex organs at its tip

also : a clump or sward of these plants

b

: any of various plants resembling moss in appearance or habit of growth

3

: a mossy covering

mosslike

ˈmȯs-ˌlīk 

adjective

moss

2 of 2

verb

mossed; mossing; mosses

transitive verb

: to cover or overgrow with moss

Examples of moss in a Sentence

Noun

Moss covered the fallen logs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The scientists discussed pioneer species — like moss, mold and lichens — which could be introduced to Mars and set the stage for terraforming the planet. —Tom Brown, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Orchids potted in moss need less frequent watering because the moss retains water longer. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025

The goal is that eventually, the wooden orbs will grow moss and lichens, further camouflaging the home within the surrounding landscape. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

If your orchid came from the store potted in sphagnum moss, Kondrat recommends repotting it in a chunky potting mix labeled for orchids as soon as it is done blooming. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English mos; akin to Old High German mos moss, Latin muscus

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing moss

• club moss
• Iceland moss
• Irish moss
• moss agate
• moss animal
• moss green
• moss-grown
• moss pink
• moss rose
• moss-trooper
• peat moss
• reindeer moss
• Spanish moss
• sphagnum moss

Kids Definition

moss

noun

ˈmȯs

1

: any of a class of plants that have no flowers and produce small leafy stems forming sex organs at their tips and that grow in patches like cushions on rocks, bark, or damp ground

2

: any of various plants (as lichens) resembling mosses compare reindeer moss

mosslike

-ˌlīk

adjective

mossy

ˈmȯ-sē

adjective

Medical Definition

moss

noun

ˈmȯs 

1

: any of a class (Musci) of bryophytic plants having a small leafy often tufted stem bearing sex organs at its tip see sphagnum

2

: any of various plants resembling mosses in appearance or habit of growth see club moss, iceland moss, irish moss