mousy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈmau̇-sē 

-zē

variants or mousey

mousier; mousiest

: of, relating to, or resembling a mouse: such as

a

: quiet, stealthy

b

: timid, retiring

Mary was rather quiet and a bit mousy, but absolutely brilliant.

—Anna Russell

c

: grayish brown

mousy hair

mousily

ˈmau-sə-lē 

-zə-

adverb

mousiness

ˈmau-sē-nəs 

-zē-

noun

mousiness

2 of 2

noun

mous·​i·​ness -sēnə̇s 

-sin-, 

-zēn-, 

-zin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being mousy : drabness, timidity

Synonyms of mousy

Adjective

• timid

Examples of mousy in a Sentence

Adjective

The movie is a fantasy about a mousy housewife who is transformed into a glamorous star.

a mousy little girl who hid behind her mother the entire time we were there

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Yesterday morning, at Milan’s Palazzo del Ghiaccio, Max Mara showed a collection of funnel-neck trench coats, unstructured blazers and linen safari jackets in mousy shades of grey and brown for spring 2027. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

After years without contact, Sandra mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother, Diane (Dianne Weist), and her mousy sister, April (Naomi Watts), to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show. — Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

So that was the music playing in the brain of the mousy defendant. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

They are joined by Milo (Yeukayi Ushe), whose slippery jelly Tama escapes his control; Ameline (Evanna Lynch), Ssyelle’s mousy, enigmatic roommate; and Milo’s too-cool brother Odward (Waylon Jacobs). — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mousy

adjective

variants or mousey

ˈmau̇-sē  -zē 

mousier; mousiest

: of, relating to, or resembling a mouse: as

a

: quiet entry 2 sense 1a, stealthy

b

: shy entry 1 sense 1a, timid

c

: dull in color : drab