Search Dictionary
Definition of moor

moor

/mʊər/
moor

Plural:moors
•
Past Simple:moored
•
Past Participle:moored
•
Present Participle:mooring
JUMP TO:

moor Lexical Profile

moor Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To secure a ship, boat, or aircraft in a particular place by attaching it to a fixed object with cables, lines, or anchors.

Example

"The captain decided to moor the sailboat in a sheltered cove to protect it from the incoming storm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for moor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for moor

• noun

1

British A tract of open, uncultivated upland, typically covered with heather and characterized by acidic, peaty soil.

Example

"We spent a blustery afternoon hiking across the desolate Scottish moor."


2

A member of a northwestern African Muslim people of mixed Berber and Arab descent, particularly those who conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century (often capitalized).

Example

"The stunning architecture of the Alhambra stands as a testament to the cultural influence of the Moors in southern Spain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for moor

Word Nuance & Usage

The word functions distinctly as a common noun for a landscape, a verb for securing a vessel, and (usually capitalized as 'Moor') a proper noun for a historical North African or Iberian Muslim.

• Rhymes for moor

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has multiple distinct origins. The landform derives from Old English 'mōr' (wasteland or heath). The nautical verb originates from Middle Low German 'mōren'. The ethnonym traces back to Greek 'Mauros' via Latin 'Maurus'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Moor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/moor
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.