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
Moose [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.
The new crest, worn by Shapovalov, who grew up in Toronto, features a bold moose with six antlers representing Toronto’s six districts. Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Mountain Moose, Alaska The best hunting for the biggest deer in the world is in the mountains of Alaska where Alaska-Yukon bull moose climb above treeline to escape summer bugs and grow antlers that can span more than six feet! Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026 Alligators, snakes, birds and even bears and moose have all interrupted rounds before. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Even a short drive reveals dense forests, sparkling lakes, and opportunities to spot moose. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moose. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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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