Mouses vs. Mice: The Correct Plural of Mouse Explained with Examples

What’s the correct plural of “mouse”—”mice” or “mouses”? The answer depends on context. In everyday English, “mice” is the correct plural when referring to small rodents. But in technology, where “mouse” refers to a computer device, the correct plural is debated. Some say “mice,” while others use “mouses.”

This article explores the origins, grammar rules, and real-world usage of both terms. You’ll learn why “mice” is standard in one case but controversial in another. By the end, you’ll know which word to use and why, avoiding common mistakes in speech and writing.

What Does the Word “Mouse” Mean?

The word “mouse” has two common meanings. It refers to a small rodent found in homes, fields, and forests. These animals have sharp teeth, long tails, and quick movements. They are part of the rodent family and exist in different species worldwide.

In technology, “mouse” means a handheld device used to control a computer. This device allows users to move a cursor, click on icons, and interact with software. It became popular in the 1980s when computers became more common in offices and homes.

These two meanings create confusion when forming the plural. The rodent follows traditional English grammar rules. The computer mouse, however, is newer, leading to debates on the correct plural form.

Plural of “Mouse” in Different Contexts

The plural of “mouse” depends on its meaning. In general English, “mice” is the correct plural. However, in technology, where “mouse” refers to a computer device, both “mice” and “mouses” are used. This difference leads to confusion, especially for non-native speakers.

Standard Plural Form in General English

“Mice” is the accepted plural of “mouse” when referring to the animal. This follows irregular pluralization, a pattern seen in certain English words. Most nouns add “-s” or “-es” to form plurals. However, some words change their internal structure instead. Examples include “man” to “men” and “foot” to “feet”.

The word “mouse” comes from Old English “mūs”, which already used “mice” as its plural. This pattern is a remnant of Germanic language rules, where some nouns changed vowels in their plural form. Over time, English evolved, but these historical plurals remained in use. That’s why “mice” is still correct today.

Plural of “Mouse” in Technology (Computing Terminology)

The word “mouse” took on a new meaning with the invention of the computer pointing device in the 1960s. When people began discussing multiple computer mice, they faced a dilemma. Should they follow traditional grammar (“mice”) or treat it as a modern word that follows standard pluralization (“mouses”)?

Most professionals and dictionaries prefer “mice” for consistency with English rules. However, some people, especially in technical fields, use “mouses” to avoid confusion with the rodent.

Major dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, list “mice” as the preferred plural but acknowledge “mouses” as a rare alternative. Industry style guides, including Microsoft’s documentation, also favor “mice.” Despite this, some users informally use “mouses,” though it remains less common.

What Are the Origins of the Word “Mouse”?

The word “mouse” has a long history. It comes from Old English “mūs”, which meant the small rodent. This word traces back to Proto-Germanic “mus” and even further to Proto-Indo-European “mūs”, which also meant mouse. The word remained nearly unchanged across many languages, including Latin (“mus”), Greek (“mys”), and Sanskrit (“mūṣ”).

The irregular plural “mice” also developed from Old English. In early Germanic languages, some words formed plurals by changing vowels instead of adding “-s.” This pattern, called i-mutation, affected words like “mouse” and changed its plural to “mice.” Over time, this form remained standard in modern English.

The computer “mouse” was named in the 1960s due to its shape and movement. The device resembled a small rodent with a tail-like cord. Engineers and researchers adopted the name informally, and it became widely accepted. Unlike the animal, this meaning of “mouse” was a new invention, which later caused debates about its pluralization.

Which One Should You Use: “Mouses” or “Mice”?

The correct plural form depends on context. In everyday English, “mice” is the standard plural. It applies when talking about rodents and is widely accepted for the computer device as well. However, in technical discussions, some people use “mouses” when referring to multiple computer mice to avoid confusion with the animal.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In formal English, “mice” is the grammatically correct plural for both the animal and the computer device. Dictionaries, including Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster, recognize “mice” as the standard plural. Most grammar guides and writing manuals also recommend this form.

In informal speech, some professionals and tech users occasionally say “mouses” to specify multiple computer mice. This usage is rare and not officially recognized by major dictionaries. While understandable in casual settings, it is not widely accepted in professional or academic writing.

Preferred Usage in Professional and Everyday Language

In general communication, “mice” is the best choice. Whether discussing rodents or computer peripherals, this plural form is the most recognized. Businesses, schools, and publishers prefer this form for clarity and consistency.

In technical fields, some IT professionals and developers use “mouses” when referring to computer mice. This form appears in some manuals and discussions to avoid confusion with the animal. However, even in the technology industry, “mice” remains more common in official documents and publications.

For professional writing, academic papers, and general use, “mice” is the correct and recommended plural. “Mouses” is occasionally used in niche technical discussions but remains uncommon.

Using “Mouse,” “Mice,” and “Mouses” in Sentences

Choosing the correct plural depends on the context of the sentence. “Mouse” is the singular form, while “mice” is the traditional plural. “Mouses” is occasionally used for computer devices but is rare. The following examples illustrate the proper usage of each form.

Mouse: (Singular)

1. A mouse ran across the kitchen floor and hid behind the refrigerator.
2. She bought a new wireless mouse for her laptop.
3. The scientist observed the mouse in its cage for behavioral research.
4. He noticed a small mouse nibbling on a piece of bread in the corner.
5. The cat chased the mouse around the living room.
6. A computer mouse allows users to navigate digital interfaces efficiently.
7. The museum displayed an ancient wooden mouse used in early technology experiments.
8. His mouse stopped working, so he had to replace it with a new one.

Mice: (Plural – Standard Usage)

1. Several mice were found in the attic during winter.
2. The office manager ordered ten mice for the new computers.
3. The laboratory tested different food samples on a group of mice.
4. Wild mice often seek shelter indoors when the weather gets colder.
5. The zoo’s exhibit on small mammals includes a variety of mice species.
6. The IT department distributed wireless mice to all employees.
7. Scientists conducted an experiment using a set of trained mice.
8. Many computer users prefer ergonomic mice for better hand support.

Mouses: (Rare, Only for Computers)

1. The store stocked different types of computer mouses, including ergonomic and gaming models.
2. Some developers prefer using two mouses when working on multiple screens.
3. A few IT professionals debate whether “mice” or “mouses” is the better term for computer peripherals.
4. The gaming shop displayed a collection of high-performance mouses for competitive players.
5. During the tech conference, new wireless mouses were introduced with advanced features.
6. Some designers use programmable mouses to enhance their workflow.
7. The IT department tested different mouses to find the most durable model.
8. The company’s website listed a variety of Bluetooth mouses under the accessories section.

These examples clarify the correct plural form in different contexts. “Mice” is the best choice in most situations, while “mouses” is only used informally in some technical discussions. In professional and everyday writing, “mice” remains the preferred term.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Many people struggle with choosing the correct plural of “mouse.” Some assume “mouses” should be standard because most English words form plurals by adding “-s” or “-es.” Others believe that “mice” only applies to animals, leading to hesitation when using it for computer devices. These misunderstandings often cause grammatical errors in both speech and writing.

Mistake 1: Using “Mouses” for Rodents

Some learners mistakenly assume “mouses” is the plural for the animal. This is incorrect. The plural of the rodent must always be “mice.”

Incorrect:

• The pet store sells white mouses and hamsters.
• Scientists studied the behavior of wild mouses in urban areas.

Correct:

• The pet store sells white mice and hamsters.
• Scientists studied the behavior of wild mice in urban areas.

Mistake 2: Thinking “Mice” Cannot Apply to Computers

Many believe “mice” only refers to rodents and avoid using it for computer devices. This is unnecessary because “mice” is recognized as the standard plural for both meanings.

Incorrect:

• He connected three new mouses to the gaming system.
• The company ordered fifty wireless mouses for employees.

Correct:

• He connected three new mice to the gaming system.
• The company ordered fifty wireless mice for employees.

Mistake 3: Mixing Singular and Plural Forms in One Sentence

Another common error is mixing “mouse” and “mice” incorrectly in the same sentence.

Incorrect:

• Each employee received a new mouse, but some prefer using their own mouses.
• A wireless mice can improve productivity and reduce desk clutter.

Correct:

• Each employee received a new mouse, but some prefer using their own mice.
• A wireless mouse can improve productivity and reduce desk clutter.

The safest way to avoid mistakes is to refer to trusted dictionaries and style guides. Major references, such as Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, and Oxford English Dictionary, all recognize “mice” as the standard plural for both meanings. While “mouses” occasionally appears in tech discussions, it is not commonly accepted in formal writing.

Which Plural Should You Use?

The correct plural depends on standard grammar rules and common usage. For most situations, “mice” is the correct and widely accepted plural. It applies to both rodents and computer devices in professional and everyday English.

Some people use “mouses” when referring to multiple computer devices, especially in technical discussions. However, this form is rare and not officially recognized in dictionaries or formal writing. Most style guides, including those used in business, education, and publishing, recommend “mice” for consistency.

For formal writing, professional communication, and academic work, “mice” is always the best choice. In casual or informal settings, “mouses” may appear, but it remains uncommon. To avoid confusion and errors, stick with “mice” in all contexts.

Conclusion

English has many irregular plurals, and “mouse” is one of them. The word follows traditional grammar rules when referring to rodents, making “mice” the correct plural. The same rule applies to computer mice, despite occasional debates.

Dictionaries and style guides recognize “mice” as the proper form for both meanings. While “mouses” appears in some technical discussions, it remains informal and uncommon. Using “mice” ensures clarity and correctness in both speech and writing.

Understanding these distinctions helps avoid mistakes and improves language accuracy. Whether discussing animals or technology, choosing the right plural improves communication. Language evolves, but for now, “mice” remains the standard in both contexts.