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Definition of mongoose

mongoose

/ˈmɑːŋ.ɡuːs/
mon · goose
Plural:mongooses
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mongoose Lexical Profile

mongoose Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, agile, carnivorous mammal native to Africa and southern Asia, noted for its bold disposition and ability to kill venomous snakes.

Example

"The brave mongoose darted around the striking cobra, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver a fatal bite."

Word Nuance & Usage

Because the word 'mongoose' is not etymologically related to the English bird 'goose', its standard plural form is 'mongooses', never 'mongeese'.

• Nearby Words

mongol
mongolia
mongolian
mongoose
monica
monitor
monitor lizard

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Marathi word 'mūṅgūs' (मुंगूस) or Telugu 'mungisa', describing the animal. The spelling was altered in English by folk etymology, mistakenly assuming a connection to the word 'goose'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mongoose. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mongoose
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