moose

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noun \ˈmüs\

Definition of moose

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

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Recent Examples of moose from the Web

In fact, seeing any bull moose was a remarkable event.

— steve meyer, Alaska Dispatch News, "Trying to make sense of Alaska’s moose-hunting regulations", 28 June 2017
Experience Isle Royale's wilderness Nearly 900 square miles of unspoiled wilderness crisscrossed by 165 miles of trails and teeming with some 1,600 moose, Isle Royale National Park offers a unique outdoor experience.

— mark spezia, Detroit Free Press, "Ultimate Michigan summer sports bucket list: 50 activities you must try", 18 June 2017
We were given the stink eye by a bull moose and his harem.

— jan ostroff, Philly.com, "Fulfilling a dream, with polar bears", 28 May 2017
The moose was about 50 yards from shore in water about 50 feet deep, unable to move.

— john myers, Twin Cities, "Young moose rescued after falling through ice in northern MN lake", 10 Apr. 2017
Black-and-white geometric wallpaper adds interest to the dining room, while a red-wire hat rack in the shape of a moose is a pop of color in the entry.

— michelle higgins, New York Times, "When Decorating Styles Clash", 17 Mar. 2017
Tranquilizing moose can be dangerous because the animals are susceptible to respiratory issues when sedated.

— matt stensland, The Denver Post, "Steamboat evicts moose family from condo complex", 24 Feb. 2017
Researchers say that if hunting does not increase and the weather does not change, the ticks' own success in killing moose will eventually make life harder for them, too.

— jess bidgood, New York Times, "Ticks, Thriving in Warm Weather, Take a Ghastly Toll on New England Moose", 19 Jan. 2017
In fact, the moose damaged the wooden base of the chimes, although Schroeder was able to repair them.

— National Geographic, "Watch Moose 'Playing' Wind Chimes", 13 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'moose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of moose

Origin and Etymology of moose

of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett moos moose

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First Known Use: 1603

See Words from the same year

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

Moose

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geographical name \ˈmüs\

Definition of Moose

river 50 miles (80 kilometers) long in northeastern Ontario, Canada, flowing northeast into James Bay ◆The Moose River is actually an estuary of the Abitibi, Mattagami, and other rivers.

MOOSE Defined for English Language Learners

moose

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noun

Definition of moose for English Language Learners

: a large animal with very large, flat antlers that lives in forests in the northern part of America, Europe, and Asia

MOOSE Defined for Kids

moose

play

noun \ˈmüs\

Definition of moose for Students

plural

moose

: a large animal with broad flattened antlers and humped shoulders that is related to the deer and lives in forests of Canada, the northern United States, Europe, and Asia