moss
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 5The green moss feels soft when you touch it.
The green moss feels soft when you touch it.
The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.
The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.
Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!
Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The green moss feels soft when you touch it.
everydayThe green moss feels soft when you touch it.
The old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.
formalThe old stone walls are covered in a thick layer of moss.
Hey, check out the cool moss on this log!
informalHey, check out the cool moss on this log!
Moss samples were collected to study the moisture levels of the forest floor.
academicMoss samples were collected to study the moisture levels of the forest floor.
Our landscaping company uses peat moss to improve the soil quality for clients.
businessOur landscaping company uses peat moss to improve the soil quality for clients.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Algae usually grows in water or very wet surfaces and is often slimy, while moss is a land plant that feels like a carpet.
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
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
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
scavenger
A1A 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
A1Migration 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
A1Hibernation 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
A1Camouflage 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1Rapids 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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