mouses

Mouses is a term that can refer to two distinct things in English: rodents of the genus Mus and, less commonly, several computer input devices known as computer mice. In standard usage, the plural of the animal is mice; for the devices, mice is also common, though mouses is encountered in some contexts, particularly in branding or to emphasize the plural as a separate word.

Rodents

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small mammal in the family Muridae. It has a slender body, large ears, and a long tail, with fur ranging from gray to light brown. Mice are omnivorous and typically inhabit areas influenced by human activity, including fields, buildings, and crops. They are highly adaptable, reproduce quickly, and can establish sizable populations in a short time. Ecologically, they serve as prey for many predators and can be vectors for parasites and diseases affecting humans and livestock. Behaviorally, many mouse species are nocturnal and social, living in communities with established hierarchies.

Computing devices

The computer mouse is a handheld pointing device used to interact with graphical user interfaces. The term “mouse” reportedly originated from its early shape and a tail-like cable. The first functional mouse was developed in the 1960s by Douglas Engelbart and his team at Stanford Research Institute, featuring a wooden case and two perpendicular wheels to detect movement. The device gained popularity after being used with Xerox PARC’s Alto and later with Apple’s Macintosh line in the 1980s. Modern mice are often optical or laser-based, wireless, and may include multiple buttons and a scroll wheel, enabling precise navigation, clicking, and scrolling.

Etymology and usage

While mice is the standard plural for both senses, mouses is occasionally used, especially in branding or when treating multiple devices as a distinct category.