What does mos mean?
“Mos” is the plural of “mo,” an informal British and Irish English word for a moment or brief period of time. It is used when referring to more than one short interval, most often in conversational settings such as “wait a couple of mos” or “in a few mos.” The expression can suggest either a precise, relatively short amount of time or, more loosely, a brief pause. Although “mo” and its plural are understood in Britain and Ireland, they are not standard everyday vocabulary in American English, where speakers normally say “moment,” “minute,” or “seconds.” Because “mos” is relatively uncommon even in its native regions, it can sound conversational, regional, or occasionally humorous.
nounThe plural of the informal British and Irish English noun “mo,” meaning a short period of time or moment.
- Plural form of “mo,” an informal word for a moment or short period of time.
"Give us a couple of mos before the meeting begins."
"I need a few mos to gather my thoughts."
"We'll leave the office in ten mos."
The regular plural of the informal noun “mo.” It is chiefly used in British and Irish English.
"We have a few mos before the train leaves."
“Mos” turns the informal “mo” into a distinctly British and Irish plural, as in “in a couple of mos.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mos come from?
The singular “mo” is an informal short form of “moment.” Its plural “mos” follows the regular English plural pattern of adding -s to a noun ending in a vowel. The clipped form and its plural are especially associated with British and Irish speech.
How mos is actually used
This form is informal and is chiefly associated with British and Irish English. It is uncommon in American English and may sound deliberately colloquial.