# Moines

/ˈmɔɪn/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moines
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the plural form of the French word for monks. You will mostly see this word in the names of places, like the city Des Moines in the United States.

For teachers: the plural form of the French noun 'moine', meaning monks. Found in English chiefly as part of geographical names from French-speaking regions, most notably Des Moines, Iowa.

## Examples

- The city of Des Moines is the capital of Iowa.
- While the name Des Moines is French, historians debate whether it refers to local monks or a Native American tribe.
- The etymology of Des Moines remains a subject of scholarly interest, as it likely reflects a French colonial interpretation of an indigenous name rather than the presence of actual monks.

## Usage notes

- In English, this word almost exclusively appears as part of the proper name 'Des Moines'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.