mosh

American  

[mosh] / mɒʃ /

verb (used without object)

Slang.

1. to engage in a form of frenzied, violent dancing; slam-dance.

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mosh British  

/ mɒʃ /

noun

1. a type of dance, performed to loud rock music, in which people throw themselves about in a frantic and violent manner

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verb

1. (intr) to dance in this manner

Etymology

Origin of mosh

1980–85; perhaps variant of mash ¹

Example Sentences

To justify that rock-star multiple, Starbucks must show it can do more than rebound from several years of morning mosh pits and barren cafes with disappearing furniture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Like the other night, there were two guys dressed as bright yellow bananas in the mosh pit.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

People attending the festival, headlined by Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn, are being asked to put their devices into airplane mode before entering mosh pits.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

The goal set off wild celebrations inside an electric Scotiabank Arena — and outside the rink as Maple Leaf Square turned into a mosh pit of blue and white.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2024

“Don’t you kids get too crazy. Bad injuries at the last Yo-Yo Ma mosh pit,” Mom called as we walked down the lawn.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman