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.
Yellowstone visitors are asked to remain at least 25 yards away from wildlife such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Visitors are responsible for staying at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes. Suzanne Yeo, ABC News, 13 July 2026 But those early devices were clunky and expensive, good for large mammals such as moose and caribou, but not fit for commercial use on pets. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 July 2026 Texas giant Buc-ee's is facing a public relations nightmare after suing Mickey's, an Ohio convenience store, over its moose mascot. Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 10 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Moose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moose. Accessed 24 Jul. 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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