Irish moss
noun
1
: the dried and bleached parts of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent and as a source of carrageenan
2
: a red alga that is a source of Irish moss
called also carrageen
Examples of Irish moss in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Key Ingredients: Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract, tea tree, ashwagandha exosomes
Best For: Breakage, loss of volume
Size: 1.7 fl.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
Sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss or carrageenan moss, has quickly become a standout in the holistic health world due to its wide-ranging benefits for the body.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
In addition to including mineral sunscreen, it’s also formulated with Irish moss extract, which may provide some skin-enhancing benefits, including hydration and help with issues like acne, seborrhea, and rosacea.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024
Its waters also feature an ample supply of Irish moss, which Irish immigrant Daniel Ward first spotted off the coast around 1847.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows in inlets and tidepools along the Atlantic coast between Europe and North America.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024
Sometimes called Irish moss, Irish sea moss, or by its scientific name, Chondrus crispus, sea moss is a frilly sea vegetable similar to other types of edible seaweed, such as nori, kelp, wakame, and kombu.
—Vogue, 8 Dec. 2023
In fact, some of the most popular plants known as moss are not actually mosses (Irish moss belongs to the carnation family; Spanish moss is a bromeliad).
—Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
Sea moss, a type of red algae that is commonly referred to as Irish moss, has recently gained popularity in the health and wellness sphere.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023
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Emily Orofino, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
Sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss or carrageenan moss, has quickly become a standout in the holistic health world due to its wide-ranging benefits for the body.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
In addition to including mineral sunscreen, it’s also formulated with Irish moss extract, which may provide some skin-enhancing benefits, including hydration and help with issues like acne, seborrhea, and rosacea.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024
Its waters also feature an ample supply of Irish moss, which Irish immigrant Daniel Ward first spotted off the coast around 1847.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows in inlets and tidepools along the Atlantic coast between Europe and North America.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024
Sometimes called Irish moss, Irish sea moss, or by its scientific name, Chondrus crispus, sea moss is a frilly sea vegetable similar to other types of edible seaweed, such as nori, kelp, wakame, and kombu.
—Vogue, 8 Dec. 2023
In fact, some of the most popular plants known as moss are not actually mosses (Irish moss belongs to the carnation family; Spanish moss is a bromeliad).
—Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
Sea moss, a type of red algae that is commonly referred to as Irish moss, has recently gained popularity in the health and wellness sphere.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Irish moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Irish%20moss. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Irish moss
noun
1
: the dried and bleached plants of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that are used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent (as in cookery or pharmacy)
called also chondrus
2
: a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that is a source of Irish moss
called also carrageen
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