# Moore

/ˈmɔɹ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large area of open land that is not good for farming. It is usually covered with grass, purple flowers called heather, and wet, soft ground.

For teachers: an expanse of open, uncultivated upland, typically characterized by acidic soil, heather, and peat bogs. Often used in the plural to describe a specific geographical region.

## Examples

- We went for a long walk across the windy moor.
- The hikers lost their way when a thick mist settled over the moor, hiding the narrow path from view.
- The desolate beauty of the Yorkshire moors has served as a haunting backdrop for generations of English literature, most notably in the works of the Brontë sisters.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The ship was tied to the moor." but "The ship was tied to the mooring." — While 'to moor' is a verb meaning to tie up a boat, the noun for the place or equipment used is 'mooring' or 'berth'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural ('the moors') when referring to a specific highland area.

---

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.