mores

American  

[mawr-eyz, -eez, mohr-] / ˈmɔr eɪz, -iz, ˈmoʊr- /

plural noun

Sociology.

1. folkways of central importance accepted without question and embodying the fundamental moral views of a group.

---

mores British  

/ ˈmɔːreɪz /

plural noun

1. sociol the customs and conventions embodying the fundamental values of a group or society

---

mores Cultural  

1. The customs and manners of a social group or culture. Mores often serve as moral guidelines for acceptable behavior but are not necessarily religious or ethical.

---

Etymology

Origin of mores

1905–10; < Latin mōres, plural of mōs usage, custom

Compare meaning

How does mores compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mores vs. folkways

Example Sentences

Their ability to enact change depended on their willingness to defy current custom and mores.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Social mores are changing, with childlessness no longer viewed as unusual or undesirable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

What’s amazing about “Brazil,” even after 40 years, is how prophetic it was about the manipulation of public mores and knowledge by a totalitarian regime.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025

Though “Seven Veils” isn’t as undeniable and scathing as something like “Tár,” it’s a compelling study of the shifting belief about how great art is made, upended by contemporary mores.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2025

The mores of suburbia now dictate that crabgrass must go at whatever cost.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson