When discussing multiple computer devices or tiny rodents, the plural of “mouse” often confuses people. You may have heard both “mice” and “mouses” in different contexts, but which one is correct? This article will break down the linguistic rules, historical origins, and how these terms have evolved, particularly in the tech world.
Understanding the correct plural of “mouse” is not just a grammar lesson but a journey through the quirks of the English language. Whether you’re wondering about the plural of a computer mouse or trying to figure out the plural of mouse in English, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
Understanding the Word “Mouse”
The word “mouse” has two distinct meanings in the English language: one refers to a small rodent, and the other to a computer device. While these two meanings are seemingly unrelated, they both share characteristics that connect them to the same word. Let’s dive deeper into both meanings to better understand how the plural forms—mice and mouses—developed and why they differ based on context.
Mouse as a Rodent
In its most traditional sense, a mouse is a small mammal belonging to the Muridae family. Mice are tiny rodents, typically 2 to 4 inches in length, with a long, hairless tail. They are known for their agility, speed, and nocturnal behavior, often living in homes, fields, and forests. Mice have been around for thousands of years, interacting with humans either as pests or, in some cases, as pets and laboratory animals.
Why Is It Called a “Mouse”?
The name mouse is derived from the Old English word mūs (which also referred to the plural form mȳs), and both terms stem from Proto-Indo-European origins. The word originally referred to small, scurrying animals. This ancient term gave rise to the modern English word mouse, which retained its original meaning over time.
Mice, in many cultures, have been symbols of resourcefulness and adaptability, traits they’ve earned due to their ability to survive in diverse environments—from urban homes to rural fields. In English, the word has always maintained its association with these nimble creatures, and the plural form of mouse animal is “mice” due to its irregular grammatical rules that stem from Old English.
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Mouse as a Computer Device
In contrast, the computer mouse is a relatively modern invention, first introduced in the 1960s. This device allows users to interact with a computer’s graphical user interface (GUI) by pointing, clicking, and selecting options on the screen. The computer mouse got its name because early models resembled the small rodent—the device was small, with a long cord trailing behind, much like a mouse’s tail.
Why Are Computer Mouses Called “Mouses”?
The name was coined in the early stages of personal computing, and the term caught on because of the mouse-like appearance of the device. As computers became more widespread, the need to discuss and refer to multiple devices arose, leading to a linguistic dilemma: how do you pluralize this new meaning of mouse?
At this point, people began to debate whether the plural of computer mouse should follow the traditional plural form, “mice,” or a new, tech-specific plural, “mouses.” Despite its irregularity, the word “mice” has been widely accepted as the plural of both the animal and the computer device, though “mouses” remains a somewhat accepted form in informal tech settings.
Similarities Between Both Meanings
While the two meanings of “mouse”—one referring to a rodent and the other to a computer device—seem unrelated, they share some similarities:
- Size: Both the animal and the device are small, easily fitting into a hand or hiding in small spaces.
- Mobility: Just as the rodent is quick and agile, the computer mouse allows for smooth, intuitive movement on the screen.
- Appearance: The shape and design of early computer mice were directly inspired by the rodent’s physical characteristics, particularly the small body and long “tail” (the cord).
These shared characteristics likely explain why Douglas Engelbart, the inventor of the computer mouse, thought the term “mouse” was appropriate for his device. As a result, the word stuck and remains the standard term for this essential piece of computer hardware.
The Role of Technology in Changing Language
The introduction of new technology often forces languages to evolve. When the mouse became a popular computer accessory, there was no precedent for how to pluralize such a term. Historically, the word “mice” had been used exclusively for the animal, but now, people were discussing multiple computer mice in offices, homes, and schools.
This is where “mouses” started to appear. Some people felt that using “mice” for computer accessories was strange and inconsistent, leading them to adopt “mouses” as a simpler, more intuitive plural. Though “mouses” remains informal, it highlights the dynamic nature of language and how new inventions can challenge traditional grammatical rules.
In summary, the word “mouse” refers to both an animal and a computer device, and its plural forms—mice for rodents and typically mice (or informally mouses) for computers—show the flexibility of language in adapting to technological advances.
Plural of Mouse (General Rule)
English is filled with irregular plural forms, and “mouse” is no exception. When referring to the animal, the correct plural form is “mice.” This irregular plural comes from Old English, where “mouse” was mūs and the plural was mȳs.
However, things get tricky when we apply this to technology. For years, people debated whether the plural of computer mouse should be “mice” or “mouses.”
Plural of Mouse for Animals
- Singular: Mouse
- Plural: Mice
This follows the established linguistic rules for irregular plural nouns. It mirrors words like “man” and “men” or “goose” and “geese.” But, what about the plural of a computer mouse?
Plural of Mouse for Computers
When it comes to computers, you might hear both “mice” and “mouses.” This is because technology terms don’t always follow traditional grammatical rules. Although “mice” is more widely accepted, “mouses” is sometimes used, especially in the tech industry.
In everyday use, many people simply use “mice” when talking about multiple mouse devices. However, it’s not uncommon to hear professionals in the IT sector use “mouses,” which we’ll explore in more detail later.
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Origins of the Word “Mouse”
Understanding the etymology helps explain why the plural form of “mouse” changes depending on context. The word “mouse” comes from the Old English word mūs, which was borrowed from the Proto-Germanic language. In Old English, the plural of mūs was mȳs, which later evolved into “mice.”
Why Is the Plural Form Irregular?
The irregularity stems from a historical process called mutation. Over time, sounds in certain words shifted. Words like foot/feet and tooth/teeth underwent similar transformations, which is why these plurals don’t follow the typical “-s” rule.
The plural “mice” persisted into modern English, whereas other words have adopted regular forms. Yet, the question remains—what about computer mice?
Which Plural Should You Use: “Mouses” or “Mice”?
Now that we know the plural of mouse animal is “mice,” what about the plural of computer mouse? Both “mice” and “mouses” have been used, but one is far more widely accepted than the other.
“Mice” as the Standard Plural for Both
The plural form “mice” is generally accepted for both rodents and computer devices. While irregular, it’s easier to use a single plural for all contexts.
- Correct Example: “We need to replace all the mice in the office.”
“Mouses” in Tech Terminology
In technology-specific contexts, you might still encounter “mouses” when referring to multiple computer devices. Some software companies or IT professionals may use this form to distinguish between animals and devices. However, this usage is far less common.
- Example: “We ordered five new mouses for the graphic design team.”
Linguistic Evolution
Languages evolve, and with the rapid rise of technology, new plural forms emerge. Although “mice” is widely accepted, language experts believe that “mouses” could become more common as technology evolves. For now, “mice” remains the safest choice in most contexts.
Differences Between “Rat” and “Mouse”
While we’re discussing rodents, it’s worth clarifying the differences between mice and rats, as people sometimes confuse the two. Both belong to the family Muridae, but they are distinct animals with unique traits.
| Feature | Mouse | Rat |
| Size | Small (2-4 inches) | Larger (7-9 inches) |
| Tail | Thin, long, and hairless | Thick and often covered in scales |
| Behavior | Shy, less aggressive | More aggressive and dominant |
| Habitat | Often indoors, homes, and fields | More likely in sewers or large outdoor areas |
| Plural Form | Mice | Rats |
This table highlights the key differences between the two rodents. While their names may seem interchangeable at times, there are distinct biological and linguistic differences between them.
Examples of Using “Mouse,” “Mice,” and “Mouses” in Sentences
It’s helpful to see how the plural forms work in different contexts. Below are some examples of using “mouse,” “mice,” and “mouses” in both animal and computer-related sentences.
Example of Using “Mouse” (Singular)
- Animal Context: “The tiny mouse scurried across the floor.”
- Computer Context: “My mouse stopped working, so I need to buy a new one.”
Another Example of Using “Mice” (Plural)
- Animal Context: “The farmer set traps for the mice in the barn.”
- Computer Context: “All the computers in the lab are equipped with wireless mice.”
Examples Using “Mouses” (Informal/Tech-Specific)
- Tech Context: “We need more mouses for the office.”
- Jargon Example: “Some programmers prefer wired mouses over wireless ones.”
These examples show that while “mice” is the more accepted plural form, “mouses” can sometimes appear in niche tech environments.
Common Usage Errors and Misunderstandings
When discussing multiple mouse devices, people often mix up the plural forms. The main error is assuming that “mouses” is incorrect in all contexts. Here are some common misunderstandings:
Misconception 1: “Mouses” Is Always Wrong
While “mice” is the most accepted plural form, “mouses” is used in certain technology circles. However, “mouses” should not be used for the plural of the animal.
Misconception 2: The Plural Form of Mice Is “Mices”
The word “mices” does not exist in English. The correct plural for the animal is “mice,” and the singular form is “mouse.”
Misconception 3: Style Guides and Dictionaries Reject “Mouses”
Some dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster, do acknowledge “mouses” as an acceptable plural for the computer device in certain contexts, though it remains far less common than “mice.”
Misconception 4: The Plural for Computer Mouse Is Only “Mice”
Although “mice” is the most commonly used, “mouses” may appear in tech-related conversations.
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Conclusion
In summary, the debate between “mice” vs “mouses” boils down to the context in which you’re using the word. For the animal, the plural of mouse is always “mice”, following the irregular pattern of English plurals. However, when discussing multiple computer mouse devices, both “mice” and “mouses” may be used, with “mice” being the more widely accepted term.
As language evolves, we may continue to see “mouses” become more accepted in tech-specific circles, but for now, “mice” remains the safest choice for both rodents and computer devices.
By understanding the plural form of mouse and the mice or mouses debate, you can confidently use the correct terminology whether you’re talking about animals or computers.
Remember, language is fluid, and terms like “mouses” might one day become standard, but until then, stick with “mice” for most contexts to avoid confusion.
Sources
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Mouse
- The Cambridge Dictionary: Plural Forms
- Linguistic Society of America: Irregular Plurals
John David is an experienced blogger at Grammar Blend, passionate about language and communication. With a keen eye for grammar and clarity, he shares practical tips and tools to help readers improve their writing skills. His insightful articles make grammar accessible and engaging for learners of all levels.
