Plural of Mouse
The ordinary plural of the animal “mouse” is “mice.” Cambridge also records “mouses” or “mice” for the computer-device sense, so the technical plural can vary.
Use “mice” for animals; computer-device usage can also allow “mouses.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Sense | Plural | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Animal | mice | The ordinary irregular plural. |
| Computer pointing device | mice or mouses | Both are recorded for the technical device sense. |
Quick tests
Sense test
Does “mouse” refer to the animal or a computer pointing device?
If yes: For animals, use “mice.”
If no: For computer devices, “mice” is safe and “mouses” is also documented.
Caveat: Do not generalize the technical “mouses” option to the animal sense.
Examples
Two mice ran behind the cabinet.
Animal “mouse” has the irregular plural “mice.”
The lab replaced all of its computer mice.
“Mice” is valid for computer devices as well.
The pet shop has three mouses.
Better: The pet shop has three mice.
For animals, use the irregular plural.
Further guidance
Core difference
For the animal, the standard plural is “mice.” For computer pointing devices, “mice” is common and “mouses” is also attested in technical/business usage.
Fast Test
Use “mice” for animals. For computer hardware, follow the terminology used by your audience or product documentation.
Usage Boundary
Do not generalize the technical “mouses” variant to the animal sense.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Mouse — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct plural evidence: animal “mouse” has plural “mice,” while computing usage can also attest “mouses.”