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.

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mores British  

/ ˈmɔːreɪz /

plural noun

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

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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.

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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

It is deeply corrosive of personal mores and social trust.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 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

Boys slightly older were moving on to girls and dating and fitting in with the mores and restrictions of being in their mid teens, which meant, among other things, avoiding associations with younger boys.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers