説明中心

mouse

[maʊs]

mouse Definition

  • 1a small mammal with pointed snout, typically having a brown or gray fur coat and a long tail.
  • 2a handheld device that controls the movement of the cursor on a computer screen, typically having buttons that are clicked to select commands or manipulate data.
  • 3a timid or feeble person.

Using mouse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mouse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The cat caught a mouse in the garden.

  • Example

    I use a wireless mouse with my laptop.

  • Example

    Don't be such a mouse, stand up for yourself!

mouse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mouse

Phrases with mouse

  • play cat and mouse

    to engage in a prolonged period of pursuing and fleeing, especially when the pursued is elusive or cunning.

    Example

    The police played a game of cat and mouse with the criminal for weeks before finally catching him.

  • very quiet and unobtrusive.

    Example

    She tiptoed into the room, trying to be as quiet as a mouse so as not to wake anyone up.

  • when the cat's away, the mice will play

    people will often take advantage of the absence of authority to do as they please.

    Example

    The boss is out of town, so we can relax a bit and have some fun. You know what they say, when the cat's away, the mice will play.

Origins of mouse

from Old English 'mus', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'muis' and German 'Maus'.

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Summary: mouse in Brief

The term 'mouse' [maʊs] refers to a small mammal with a pointed snout and a long tail, or a handheld device used to control the cursor on a computer screen. It can also refer to a timid or feeble person, as in 'Don't be such a mouse, stand up for yourself!' Common phrases include 'play cat and mouse,' meaning to pursue and flee, 'quiet as a mouse,' meaning very quiet, and 'when the cat's away, the mice will play,' meaning people will take advantage of the absence of authority.

How do native speakers use this expression?