The English language has many quirks, and one of the most debated topics is the plural of “mouse.” While “mice” is universally accepted for the small rodent, the discussion becomes complicated when referring to computer devices.
Some argue that “computer mice” is correct, while others believe “mouses” should be the preferred term.
Understanding the Word “Mouse”
The Meaning of “Mouse”
The word “mouse” traditionally refers to a small rodent with quick movements and a whiskered snout. However, in the 1960s, American engineer Douglas Engelbart invented the first computer mouse, a handheld device that controls an on-screen cursor.
The device resembled the rodent, which led to the adoption of the name “computer mouse.”
Since then, “mouse” has expanded beyond its biological meaning, becoming essential in computing. This dual meaning fuels the pluralization debate.
Origins of the Word “Mouse”
The word “mouse” originates from Old English, where it was spelled as “mus.” This term came from Proto-Germanic, with similar words appearing in Latin (“mus”) and Greek (“mys”), showing a long linguistic history.
The transformation from “mus” to “mice” follows a pattern seen in other words like “foot” → “feet” and “tooth” → “teeth.”
However, the introduction of the computer mouse centuries later created a grammatical dilemma. Unlike rodents, computer devices followed a different linguistic evolution, leading to disagreements over whether “computer mice” or “computer mouses” is correct.
The Plural of “Mouse” – Grammar and Usage
Why Is the Plural of “Mouse” Mice?
The pluralization of “mouse” follows a linguistic process called i-mutation or vowel gradation, which changes vowels instead of simply adding “-s” or “-es.” Other examples include:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Foot | Feet |
| Tooth | Teeth |
| Man | Men |
| Mouse | Mice |
These irregular plurals exist because English evolved from Old English to Modern English, where certain words changed vowels to indicate plurality.
Irregular Plural Nouns in English Grammar
Unlike regular nouns that simply take “-s” or “-es,” some nouns have irregular plural forms due to historical linguistic changes. Examples include:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Child | Children |
| Woman | Women |
| Louse | Lice |
| Mouse | Mice |
Since “mouse” follows this irregular pattern, “mice” became the standard plural.
Mouse vs. Mice vs. Rat – Understanding the Differences
Many people compare “mouse” to “rat” since both refer to small rodents. However, key differences exist:
| Feature | Mouse | Rat |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Larger |
| Tail | Long & thin | Thick & short |
| Behavior | Timid & quick | Bold & strong |
| Plural | Mice | Rats |
Unlike “mouse,” the word “rat” follows standard grammar rules (“rat” → “rats”), while “mouse” follows an irregular pattern (“mouse” → “mice”).
Mouses vs mice – The Contextual Debate
The Plural of “Mouse” for Rodents
When referring to rodents, “mice” is always the correct plural. This grammar rule applies in books, scientific research, and everyday conversation. Examples:
- “Mice invaded the house.”
- “Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps.” Using “mouses” for rodents would be incorrect.
The Plural of “Mouse” in Technology
The plural of “computer mouse” creates confusion. Some people say “computer mice”, while others say “computer mouses.”
Examples:
- “We need to replace all the computer mice in the office.”
- “Some users prefer wireless mouses over wired ones.”
Both terms appear in usage, but “computer mice” remains the preferred choice in formal writing.
Computer Mouse Plural – Rules and Exceptions
Mice – The Traditional Plural
“Computer mice” follows traditional grammar rules, assuming the same pluralization pattern as the rodent. Since people named the device after the animal, many naturally adopted “mice” as its plural.
Most dictionaries, grammar guides, and style manuals recommend “computer mice,” including:
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Merriam-Webster
- Chicago Manual of Style
Professionals in technology, academia, and publishing continue to use “computer mice” in formal writing.
Examples:
- “We ordered wireless computer mice.”
- “Gaming enthusiasts prefer mechanical mice for precision.”
- “Many IT professionals argue that ‘mice’ should remain the correct plural.”
Mouses – The Emerging Alternative
Despite “computer mice” being the traditional plural, some tech users prefer “computer mouses.” This shift has occurred because computer devices do not necessarily follow the same linguistic rules as animals.
Some companies and technology manuals now use “mouses” in informal writing, particularly in software and hardware documentation. The primary reason is clarity—”computer mice” can sometimes confuse readers.
Examples:
- “We tested different computer mouses for responsiveness.”
- “Some manufacturers list multiple models of mouses.”
- “Modern mouses feature customizable buttons and ergonomic designs.”
Although “mouses” is not widely accepted in academic writing, it is becoming more common in technical discussions and informal speech.
When to Use “Mouses” for Computer Devices
Certain situations favor “computer mouses” over “computer mice,” such as:
- Technical Documentation – Some IT manuals use “mouses” to avoid confusion.
- Marketing and Product Listings – Many retailers use “mouses” in product descriptions.
- Spoken Language & Informal Contexts – Some naturally say “mouses” in conversation.
How to Use “Mice” and “Mouses” in Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The cat chased the mice across the yard. | Rodent (Animal) |
| Sarah bought two computer mice for her office. | Computer Device (Formal) |
| The IT team replaced the old computer mice. | IT Maintenance (Technology) |
| Scientists observed how mice react to different stimuli. | Scientific Research (Rodents) |
| The company ordered new wireless computer mice. | Office Equipment (Technology) |
| The store sold various models of computer mouses. | Retail (Technology) |
| Jake set traps to catch the mice in the attic. | Home Pest Control (Rodents) |
| Researchers tested the mice for cognitive responses. | Science Lab (Rodents) |
| The technician installed new gaming mice. | Gaming Setup (Technology) |
| The engineers designed ergonomic computer mouses. | Product Design (Technology) |
| The office supplied each employee with a new mouse. | Office Supplies (Technology) |
| The department compared different types of computer mice. | Comparison Testing (Technology) |
| The retailer added several mouses to their inventory. | Retail Catalog (Technology) |
| Developers programmed the system to support multiple mice. | Software Development (Technology) |
| The teacher used mice in a classroom experiment. | Education (Rodents) |
| The laboratory examined the effects of sound on mice. | Scientific Study (Rodents) |
| The manufacturer produced thousands of computer mouses last year. | Manufacturing (Technology) |
| The marketing team promoted a new line of wireless mice. | Marketing Strategy (Technology) |
| The IT specialist tested multiple computer mouses for durability. | Product Testing (Technology) |
| The scientists recorded how the mice navigated a maze. | Maze Experiment (Rodents) |
| The conference organizers provided extra computer mice for attendees. | Event Planning (Technology) |
| The staff selected ergonomic mouses for better productivity. | Workplace Efficiency (Technology) |
| The supplier shipped hundreds of mice to various stores. | Supply Chain (Technology) |
| The game developers optimized software for high-performance mice. | Gaming Industry (Technology) |
| The maintenance crew removed the mice from the building. | Pest Control (Rodents) |
| The research team studied the lifespan of mice in captivity. | Biological Research (Rodents) |
| The store restocked shelves with the latest computer mice. | Retail Management (Technology) |
| The assistant placed computer mouses on each workstation. | Office Setup (Technology) |
| The gaming company launched a new series of wireless mice. | Gaming Hardware (Technology) |
| The software designers improved compatibility with modern mice. | Software Optimization (Technology) |
Conclusion
The debate over mouses vs mice continues as language evolves. “Mice” remains the correct plural for rodents, while “computer mice” is still the preferred plural for devices. However, “mouses” is gradually gaining traction in technology.
Language constantly evolves, and “mouses” may become more widely accepted in the future. However, for now, “computer mice” remain the safest choice in professional settings.
FAQs
What’s the plural of “mouse”?
The plural of “mouse” is “mice” when referring to the rodent.
Can “mouses” be used as the plural of a computer mouse?
Yes, both “mice” and “mouses” are correct when referring to more than one computer mouse.
Why is the plural of “mouse” “mice”?
It’s due to the I-mutation, an old linguistic change from Germanic languages.
Taila Lucy, an expert content writer at Grammar Grains, brings 4 years of experience crafting engaging pieces on grammar. Her work delves into synonyms, antonyms, slang, puns, and poetry, helping readers master English with creativity and flair.
