Mouses vs Mice: What’s the Correct Plural of Mouse?

The English language can often confuse even the most seasoned speakers, and one of the areas that seems to create constant confusion is the plural form of the word “mouse.” Is it “mouses” vs “mice”? In this article, we’ll explore this topic in-depth, along with related questions, to help you understand not only the plural form of mouse but also other important differences.

Understanding Mouses vs Mice: The Basics

Let’s start with the basics. Mouse is the singular form of the word, referring to the small rodent known for its pointed snout, long tail, and whiskers. When we talk about more than one of these creatures, the correct plural form is mice.

For example:

• “I saw a mouse in the kitchen.”
• “There are several mice in the attic.”

However, when discussing computer mice (the devices used for interacting with a computer), the plural form remains the same: mice.

So, what’s the deal with “mouses”? Let’s dive deeper.

What’s the Plural of Mouse?

1. Mouse is a singular noun, while mice is the plural form. This is a case of irregular pluralization in English. Much like how “child” becomes “children,” “mouse” undergoes a shift in form to become “mice.”

Example in a Sentence:

• “I have a pet mouse named Max.”
• “I have several pet mice, and they all have different personalities.”

Why Do People Use “Mouses”?

The term “mouses” does crop up occasionally in modern language, especially in tech-related contexts, but it’s widely considered incorrect by most grammarians. However, the Oxford English Dictionary does list “mouses” as a valid plural form when referring to multiple computer mice. This usage tends to appear more often in informal contexts or in technical jargon related to computers.

Example of “Mouses” in a Tech Context:

• “I bought two new mouses for the office computers.”

But, remember, the usage of mice is more universally accepted when discussing both rodents and computer mice.

Mouse vs. Mice: The Difference in Meaning

• Mouse (Singular): Refers to a small rodent or a computer input device.
• Mice (Plural): Refers to more than one mouse, whether you’re talking about rodents or computer devices.

Example with Rodents:

• “I saw a mouse scurry across the floor.”
• “The kitchen is overrun with mice.”

Example with Computer Mice:

• “I need to buy new mice for my computer setup.”
• “Two mice were connected to the machine for the presentation.”

The Difference Between Mice and Rats

Let’s clarify another common confusion: mice vs. rats. While they may look similar, mice and rats are distinct species.

• Mice are smaller, with more delicate features, often weighing around 0.5 to 1 ounce.
• Rats are larger, heavier, and tend to have more robust features. Rats can weigh up to several pounds.

Example of Using Both:

• “We saw a mouse running across the living room, but when we checked the garage, we found a rat.”

Female Mice: What Do You Call Them?

In the animal kingdom, female mice don’t have a special name like other animals (e.g., cows for female cattle). They are simply referred to as female mice.

Example:

• “The female mice are very active in the spring.”

The Use of Mice in Everyday Language

Though the plural of mouse is mice, some people still use “mouses,” especially when talking about computer mice in the plural form. It’s not incorrect, but it’s less widely accepted.

Plural of Computer Mouse: Is It “Mouses” or “Mice”?

Here’s the confusion: You may see “mouses” used occasionally when talking about multiple computer mice. Though both terms are accepted in casual usage, mice is the most common and grammatically correct plural form. For example, in the world of gaming or tech support, you’ll often hear the word “mice” used even when referring to computer peripherals.

Example in an Email:

Subject: “Multiple Mice Setup” Hi Sarah, We’re planning to upgrade the office computers, and we need to purchase mice for all employees. Could you confirm how many we need? Thanks, John

Mice vs. Mouses in Different Contexts

Example in an Email About Rodents:

Subject: “Mouse Infestation” Dear Steve, I’ve noticed a few mice in the warehouse. We should consider setting up some traps to address the issue. Let me know what you think. Best, Laura

Plural of Mouse: Is “Mice” Always the Right Choice?

The plural form “mice” is generally correct, except in certain informal contexts (such as computing) where “mouses” may be used. If you’re unsure, mice is the safest choice.

Mouse Vs Mice : Difference in Popular Culture

The plural of mouse has also influenced how we speak about mice in everyday life. Consider cartoons, for instance. Mickey Mouse, often a beloved figure in pop culture, doesn’t turn into “Mickeys” even though it could technically be argued that he’s one of many mice in the world.

Different Plural Forms in Other Languages

In Spanish, the word for mouse is “ratón,” and the plural is “ratones,” just like how “mice” works in English. Other languages handle animal plurals differently, often sticking to regular pluralization rules.

Examples of the Word “Mice” in Sentences

• “There are a bunch of mice living in the barn.”
• “The tech company is introducing several new mice with advanced sensors.”

20 Key Points to Remember About Mouse vs Mice:

1. The singular form of mouse refers to the small rodent or the computer device.
2. The plural of mouse is mice, whether you’re referring to rodents or computer peripherals.
3. “Mouses” can sometimes be used in tech contexts, but mice is the grammatically correct form.
4. Mice are typically smaller than rats, which are heavier and more robust.
5. The female mouse is simply referred to as a female mouse, with no special name.
6. Mice are often featured in popular culture, like Mickey Mouse.
7. The plural of computer mouse is mice, even though “mouses” appears in some circles.
8. “Mouses” is technically listed in the Oxford Dictionary but is seen as informal.
9. There are many species of mice, each with unique characteristics.
10. A rat is a larger rodent, while a mouse is smaller and lighter.
11. Mice can be considered pests in some contexts, particularly when they infest homes or businesses.
12. Female mice are known for their high reproductive rate.
13. “Mice” in the plural form is the more formal and widely accepted version in both casual and academic writing.
14. If you’re discussing multiple computer mice, “mice” is still the preferred choice.
15. Mice play important roles in research due to their genetic similarity to humans.
16. Mice can live in a variety of environments, from homes to wild fields.
17. A mouse can be the cause of disease transmission in some environments.
18. The word “mouse” originates from Old English and is closely tied to its meaning.
19. The plural form “mice” is used universally, except in casual computer usage.
20. The proper plural for a collection of these small rodents or devices is “mice.”

Final Thoughts: Understanding Mouses vs Mice

At the end of the day, the confusion between mouses vs mice largely depends on context. Whether you’re talking about a mouse in a house or the one on your desk, the plural form is generally mice. So, next time you’re writing or speaking about these little creatures or computer devices, you can confidently say “mice” as the correct plural.