What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moule
Example
The chef prepared a delicious moule dish with white wine and garlic. [moule: noun]
Example
The factory worker created a metal part using a moule. [moule: noun]
Example
The carpenter used a moule to create a precise joint in the wood. [moule: noun]
mussel
Example
The seafood restaurant served a delicious mussel soup with crusty bread. [mussel: noun]
Example
The biologist studied the behavior of freshwater mussels in the river. [mussel: noun]
Example
The diver observed a variety of colorful mussels attached to the rocks underwater. [mussel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mussel is more commonly used in everyday language than moule. Mussel is a versatile word that can refer to various types of shellfish, while moule is less common and more specific to French cuisine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moule and mussel?
Both moule and mussel are relatively formal words, often used in culinary contexts or scientific discussions about shellfish.