A1 noun Neutral

moss

/mɒs/

Moss is a small, soft green plant that grows in thick, carpet-like patches. It usually grows in damp, shady places like on rocks or tree trunks.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The green moss feels soft when you touch it.

The green moss feels soft when you touch it.

2

The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.

The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.

3

Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!

Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!

Word Family

Noun
moss
Adverb
mossily
Adjective
mossy
Related
mossiness
💡

Memory Tip

Think of moss as 'Nature's Carpet'—it is soft, green, and covers the floor of the woods.

Quick Quiz

The north side of the tree is covered in green ___ because it is shady and wet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: moss

Examples

1

The green moss feels soft when you touch it.

everyday

The green moss feels soft when you touch it.

2

The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.

formal

The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.

3

Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!

informal

Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!

4

Moss samples were collected to study the moisture levels of the forest floor.

academic

Moss samples were collected to study the moisture levels of the forest floor.

5

Our landscaping company uses peat moss to improve the soil quality for clients.

business

Our landscaping company uses peat moss to improve the soil quality for clients.

Word Family

Noun
moss
Adverb
mossily
Adjective
mossy
Related
mossiness

Common Collocations

green moss green moss
thick moss thick moss
moss-covered moss-covered
soft moss soft moss
grow moss grow moss

Common Phrases

A rolling stone gathers no moss

A rolling stone gathers no moss

moss green

moss green

peat moss

peat moss

Often Confused With

moss vs algae

Algae usually grows in water or very wet surfaces and is often slimy, while moss is a land plant that feels like a carpet.

moss vs grass

Grass has long blades and roots in soil, whereas moss is very short and can grow directly on rocks or wood.

📝

Usage Notes

Moss is usually an uncountable noun when talking about the plant in general, but you can use the plural 'mosses' when referring to different scientific species.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'moss' to describe grass in a forest. Remember that moss is much shorter and doesn't have flowers.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of moss as 'Nature's Carpet'—it is soft, green, and covers the floor of the woods.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'meos', which refers to a swamp or mossy place.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun used with the preposition 'on' (moss on a tree) attributive use (moss garden)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japanese gardening, moss is highly valued and cultivated to represent age, silence, and peace.

Quick Quiz

The north side of the tree is covered in green ___ because it is shady and wet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: moss

More nature words

scavenger

A1

A scavenger is an animal or a person that finds and collects things that others have thrown away or left behind. In nature, it refers to animals that eat dead plants or other dead animals to survive.

migration

A1

Migration is the movement of people or animals from one place to another to live or find food. It can happen every year with the seasons or be a permanent move to a new country.

hibernation

A1

Hibernation is a long, deep sleep that some animals take during the winter. It helps them save energy and survive when there is very little food available.

camouflage

A1

Camouflage is a way to hide by looking like the things around you. It helps animals and people stay safe by blending into the background so they are hard to see.

stream

A1

A stream is a small, narrow flow of water that moves naturally along a fixed path. It is smaller than a river and can usually be found in forests or parks.

pond

A1

A pond is a small area of still water that is smaller than a lake. It can be found naturally in the wild or built in a park or garden.

marsh

A1

A marsh is a type of wetland that is often flooded with water. It is usually covered with grasses, reeds, and other plants that like wet soil.

swamp

A1

A swamp is a low area of land that is always very wet or covered with water. It usually has many trees and plants growing in it and is often home to animals like frogs and alligators.

waterfall

A1

A waterfall is a place where a river or stream flows over a high, steep cliff or rock. It is a beautiful natural feature often found in mountainous areas where water drops vertically.

rapids

A1

Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks. They look white and bubbly and can be dangerous for boats.

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