# moose

/ˈmus/ (US) · /mˈuːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moose
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR B2

a very large deer with flat, wide antlers that lives in the forests of North America and Europe.

For teachers: the largest extant species in the deer family, Alces alces, characterised by the male's palmate antlers and a heavy body.

- We had to stop the car because a large moose was standing in the middle of the road.
- The hikers were cautioned to maintain a safe distance, as a mother moose can become extremely aggressive if she perceives a threat to her calves.

Usage: The noun is irregular and remains 'moose' in the plural form.

### 2. ugly person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a very rude way to describe someone you think is unattractive.

For teachers: a derogatory figurative reference to a person perceived as physically unattractive or clumsy.

- He was being mean and called the poor girl a moose.
- The dialogue in the film was criticised for its reliance on dated insults, including calling the protagonist's rival a moose.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly offensive and considered schoolyard bullying; learners should avoid using it.

## Examples

- We saw a large moose standing near the lake.
- Hikers are warned to keep a safe distance from any moose they encounter, as these animals can be surprisingly aggressive.
- The local ecosystem relies on the moose to manage aquatic vegetation, though their population is increasingly threatened by rising temperatures and the spread of parasitic brain worms.

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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.