# mores

/ˈmɔˌɹeɪz/ (US) · /mˈɔːz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mores
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

the customs and beliefs that a society considers to be right and proper. These are the rules that help people know how to behave in their community.

For teachers: the prevailing moral standards and social customs of a particular group or society. Often used in the plural to refer to the collective set of norms that govern public behavior.

## Examples

- The new law changed the social mores of the city.
- While the legal system changed, the traditional mores of the village remained largely unchanged for decades.
- Sociologists often study how shifting mores regarding digital privacy influence the way younger generations interact with social media platforms compared to their predecessors.

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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.