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

Reporter Keith Matheny talked to hunters — and also breaks down how a turkey trade with Ontario helped bring moose back to the Upper Peninsula. —Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024

Elk, bison, moose, mule deer and pronghorn call the Kelly Parcel home. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024

Everything here is modern with a slight dash of that Western fun—think black and neutral colors mixed in with plush, furry seating and pops of light wood, reminiscent of a moose’s antlers. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Our guide pointed out a giant moose eating vegetation off the trail. —Michael Goldstein, 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.