A1noun1K

Mouse

UK /["/maʊs/","/maɪs/"]/US /["/maʊs/","/maɪs/"]/

Definition

a small animal that is covered in fur and has a long thin tail. Mice live in fields, in people’s houses or where food is stored.

In simple words: A small rodent with a long tail, often kept as a pet or used in experiments.

Examples

  • The mouse scurried across the floor.
  • I saw a gray mouse in the kitchen.
  • He used the mouse to click on the pictures on his computer.
  • She has a pet mouse that she named Whiskers.
  • The cat chased the mouse around the room.

Usage notes

Use 'mouse' when referring to the animal or the computer device. Avoid using it in very formal contexts when you mean the animal; instead, use 'rodent.'

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a tiny creature that squeaks and scurries, like a little 'house mouse'.

Collocations

  • deer
  • field
  • house
  • chase
  • catch
  • kill
  • squeak
  • run
  • scurry
  • droppings
  • hole
  • trap
  • as quiet as a mouse
  • optical
  • wireless
  • click
  • double-click
  • use
  • button
  • click
  • cursor
  • with the mouse

Synonyms

  • rodent
  • critter
  • pest
  • pet

Antonyms

  • elephant
  • cat

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'mice' when talking about more than one.
  • Using 'mouse' to refer exclusively to the computer device in all contexts.