Mice vs. Mouse: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Mouse' is the singular term for a small rodent, while 'mice' is the plural form, referring to more than one.
Key Differences
Mice are the multiple individuals of the small, typically furry rodent species, while a mouse refers to a single individual of the same species.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
In scientific research, mice are widely used for experiments due to their genetic similarity to humans; a single mouse can provide initial data.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Households might struggle with mice infestations, indicating many, but finding a mouse in a trap signifies just one has been caught.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
When discussing computer devices, people often have one mouse connected to their computer, but a store might sell mice in bulk.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
In animation, a group of characters might be called mice if there are several, but a story may center on a lone mouse and its adventures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Grammar
Used to refer to more than one mouse
Used to refer to a single mouse
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Usage in a Sentence
Mice scurried across the floor.
A mouse scurried across the floor.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Contextual Implication
Implies the presence of multiple
Implies the presence of one
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Associated Connotations
Often associated with infestations
Can refer to pet or computer device
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Mice and Mouse Definitions
Mice
Small rodents, typically with pointed snouts and small rounded ears.
The barn was overrun with mice seeking shelter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mouse
A small mammal with a long tail, known for being a common household rodent.
A mouse found its way into the pantry.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mice
Used metaphorically to describe people who are timid or shy.
They were as quiet as mice during the lecture.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mouse
The singular form of mice, referring to just one such animal.
The cat chased the mouse around the living room.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mice
Plural form of mouse, used when referring to more than one.
The children were delighted to see a family of mice in the field.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Mouse
In computing, a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion.
She clicked the mouse to open the file.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mice
Characters in stories or animations, when there are several.
The animated mice sang a song in the movie.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mouse
Someone who is meek or timid in nature.
He was a mouse among men, quiet and unassuming.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mice
In technology, refers to multiple computer input devices.
The office ordered twenty new mice for their employees.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Mouse
Any of numerous small rodents of the families Muridae and Cricetidae, such as the house mouse, characteristically having a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long naked or almost hairless tail.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
Any of various similar or related animals, such as the jumping mouse, the vole, or the jerboa.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mice
To be distracted or inattentive (possibly alluding to a cat being distracted by a mouse).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(Informal) A discolored swelling under the eye caused by a blow; a black eye.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
Pl. mice or mous·es (mousĭz) Computers A handheld, button-activated input device that when rolled along a flat surface directs an indicator to move correspondingly about a computer screen, allowing the operator to move the indicator freely, as to select operations or manipulate text or graphics.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(informal) A member of the many small rodent and marsupial species resembling such a rodent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(computing) (plural mice or, rarely, mouses) An input device that is moved over a pad or other flat surface to produce a corresponding movement of a pointer on a graphical display.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(nautical) A turn or lashing of spun yarn or small stuff, or a metallic clasp or fastening, uniting the point and shank of a hook to prevent its unhooking or straightening out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(set theory) A small model of (a fragment of) Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with desirable properties (depending on the context).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(intransitive) To move cautiously or furtively, in the manner of a mouse (the rodent) (frequently used in the phrasal verb to mouse around).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
(intransitive) To hunt or catch mice (the rodents), usually of cats. 12
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
To close the mouth of a hook by a careful binding of marline or wire.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
Any one of numerous species of small rodents belonging to the genus Mus and various related genera of the family Muridæ. The common house mouse (Mus musculus) is found in nearly all countries. The American white-footed mouse, or deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus, formerly Hesperomys leucopus) sometimes lives in houses. See Dormouse, Meadow mouse, under Meadow, and Harvest mouse, under Harvest.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
A knob made on a rope with spun yarn or parceling to prevent a running eye from slipping.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
To watch for or pursue anything in a sly manner; to pry about, on the lookout for something.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
Any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
A hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad; on the bottom of the mouse is a ball that rolls on the surface of the pad;
A mouse takes much more room than a trackball
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
To go stealthily or furtively;
..stead of sneaking around spying on the neighbor's house
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mouse
A key character in a story, often portrayed as clever or heroic.
The mouse outwitted the fox in the fable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are there any other meanings for 'mice' besides the plural of 'mouse'?
No, 'mice' is specifically the plural of 'mouse'.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
What is a mouse?
A mouse is a small rodent, typically characterized by a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long tail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Can 'mouse' be used as a verb?
Yes, 'to mouse' can mean to hunt or search for something carefully.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
What are mice?
"Mice" is the plural of "mouse," referring to more than one of these small rodents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Are "mice" and "mouse" used in idioms?
Yes, "mouse" is used in idioms like "as quiet as a mouse," and "mice" in "when the cat's away, the mice will play."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Are the terms 'mice' and 'mouse' interchangeable?
No, they indicate different numbers—one is singular, the other plural.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Is 'mouse' used for both the animal and the computer device?
Yes, 'mouse' refers to both a rodent and a computing device.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Is "mice" used for both genders?
Yes, "mice" can refer to a group of male, female, or mixed-gender rodents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Can "mouse" refer to computer equipment?
Yes, "mouse" also refers to a hand-held input device used to control a cursor on a computer screen.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Is 'mice' the only plural of 'mouse'?
Yes, 'mice' is the correct plural form of 'mouse'.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Are computer "mice" only wired?
No, computer mice can be wired or wireless.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Can "mouse" be a verb?
Yes, "to mouse" means to hunt or search for something carefully.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Is it correct to say 'mouses' when referring to computer devices?
While not standard, 'mouses' can sometimes be used colloquially for computer mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Can "mouse" describe someone timid?
Yes, calling someone a "mouse" can imply they are shy or timid.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Do "mice" carry diseases?
Yes, mice can carry diseases transmissible to humans, such as hantavirus.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Is "mice" ever correct for the singular?
No, "mice" is only correct as the plural form of "mouse."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Are mice considered pests?
Yes, mice are often considered pests when they inhabit human dwellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Do the terms have different scientific names?
The scientific genus for mice is "Mus," but specific species have unique scientific names.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Are all mice small?
Most species are small, but size can vary among different types of mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
