reindeer moss
noun
: a gray, erect, tufted, and much-branched lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) that forms extensive patches in arctic and north-temperate regions, constitutes a large part of the food of caribou, and is sometimes eaten by humans
called also reindeer lichen
Examples of reindeer moss in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There were lighter moments too, including a playful exchange about eating reindeer moss.
—
Simon Perry, People.com, 20 June 2025
Reindeer subsist largely on light-colored reindeer moss, which isn’t actually a moss but rather a type of lichen that grows in crunchy, carpet-like patches across northern latitudes.
—Holly Ramer, Fortune, 24 Dec. 2023
Reindeer primarily feed on lichens in the winter, known as reindeer moss.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2023
McCarthy bent down to inspect the moss that blanketed her unmarked grave and compared it to the lichen her family would have used in Alaska to feed reindeer, commonly called reindeer moss.
—Claire Healy, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2023
Place upside down in a tall urn filled with reindeer moss ($7, Michaels) by your front door.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2023
After dark, a wall lined with evergreen boxwoods and reindeer moss becomes illuminated with twinkling lights, intended to look like fireflies.
—Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Feb. 2022
Lightly stuff the base and cone with reindeer moss.
—Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 6 Dec. 2021
There’s a 128-foot-long fog corridor, a wall of reindeer moss imported from Finland, a 36-foot waterfall and an intriguing Lego station that uses a ton of white bricks.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, 10 July 2019
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Simon Perry, People.com, 20 June 2025
Reindeer subsist largely on light-colored reindeer moss, which isn’t actually a moss but rather a type of lichen that grows in crunchy, carpet-like patches across northern latitudes.
—Holly Ramer, Fortune, 24 Dec. 2023
Reindeer primarily feed on lichens in the winter, known as reindeer moss.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2023
McCarthy bent down to inspect the moss that blanketed her unmarked grave and compared it to the lichen her family would have used in Alaska to feed reindeer, commonly called reindeer moss.
—Claire Healy, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2023
Place upside down in a tall urn filled with reindeer moss ($7, Michaels) by your front door.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2023
After dark, a wall lined with evergreen boxwoods and reindeer moss becomes illuminated with twinkling lights, intended to look like fireflies.
—Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Feb. 2022
Lightly stuff the base and cone with reindeer moss.
—Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 6 Dec. 2021
There’s a 128-foot-long fog corridor, a wall of reindeer moss imported from Finland, a 36-foot waterfall and an intriguing Lego station that uses a ton of white bricks.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, 10 July 2019
Cite this Entry
“Reindeer moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reindeer%20moss. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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