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
One such extract is seaweed extract, specifically Irish moss, which is shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as offering UV protection and dark spot-fading benefits.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2025
Irish moss is evergreen and tolerates moderate to heavy foot traffic, making a lovely lawn alternative.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Key ingredients: Irish moss, potassium hydroxide Size: 0.4 oz.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 July 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
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
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Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2025
Irish moss is evergreen and tolerates moderate to heavy foot traffic, making a lovely lawn alternative.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Key ingredients: Irish moss, potassium hydroxide Size: 0.4 oz.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 July 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
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
Cite this Entry
“Irish moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Irish%20moss. Accessed 7 Sep. 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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