mousing

American

[mou-zing] / ˈmaʊ zɪŋ /

noun

Nautical.

a wrapping of several turns of small stuff around the shank end of a hook.

mousing British

/ ˈmaʊzɪŋ /

noun

nautical a lashing, shackle, etc, for closing off a hook to prevent a load from slipping off

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mousing

First recorded in 1825–35; mouse + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was moved out of the department's central London building during the Covid pandemic and in 2020 he formally retired from his mousing duties.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

Typing and mousing for long periods is stressful for the finger and wrist muscles as well as the forearms.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

When mousing in snow, the fox's long snout also allows it to reach its prey earlier, as mice are very sensitive to movements in their environment and can quickly escape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

If the DeskPad feels like overkill, try Logitech’s $19.99 Desk Mat, a soft-cloth mat with a nice mousing feel in an assortment of soft colors.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

Charles said harshly, “Say, what you mousing around at?”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023