mousse

1 of 2

noun

ˈmüs 

1

: a light spongy food usually containing cream or gelatin

2

: a molded chilled dessert made with sweetened and flavored whipped cream or egg whites and gelatin

chocolate mousse

3

: a foamy preparation used in styling hair

mousse

2 of 2

verb

moussed; moussing

transitive verb

: to style (hair) with mousse

Examples of mousse in a Sentence

Noun

a jar of styling mousse

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Enjoy dishes such as quiche Lorraine and duck liver mousse at Brasserie Kämp, or opt for pan-Asian accompanied by a sake and tea menu at Yume. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

The egg whites add volume and fluff, while the additional fat from the yolks makes the filling ultra smooth, as decadent as the finest chocolate mousse. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026

Chicken liver mousse is piped in ruffles on savory sablé cookies; a thimble-sized complimentary cocktail begins the meal for those who drink alcohol. —Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026

Belgium’s menu includes moules frites or steamed mussels in white wine, shrimp croquettes, beef roast, bone-in pork chop, classic chocolate mousse. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, literally, froth, moss, from Old French mosse, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German mos moss — more at moss

First Known Use

Noun

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1984, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mousse

• coos
• cruce
• deuce
• douce
• duce
• goose
• hoose
• juice
• loose
• noose
• nous
• sluice

Kids Definition

mousse

1 of 2 noun

ˈmüs 

1

: a light whipped or molded food

especially : a cold dessert of sweetened and flavored whipped cream or egg whites and gelatin

2

: a foamy preparation used in styling hair

mousse

2 of 2 verb

moussed; moussing

: to style (hair) with mousse