Moustache vs Maustache Quiz: Test Yourself
Five quick questions on moustache vs maustache. Pick an answer to get instant feedback.
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The British spelling of hair on the upper lip.
“He grew a moustache for charity.”
The American spelling of the same word.
“He trimmed his mustache every morning.”
Not a word. It is a misspelling of moustache or mustache.
“Always check the spelling before you publish.”
Having a large or striking moustache.
“The mustachioed waiter bowed politely.”
Moustache vs maustache is a spelling question with a clear answer: only one of them exists. Even the correct word is awkward, because English has two accepted spellings. This guide explains which to use, where the word comes from, and how to stop second-guessing the vowels.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moustache | Hair grown on the upper lip (British spelling) | Noun | He grew a moustache for charity. |
| Mustache | Hair grown on the upper lip (American spelling) | Noun | She drew a mustache on the poster. |
| Maustache | Not a word; a misspelling | Misspelling | Avoid in writing. |
| Mustachioed / moustachioed | Having a large or striking moustache | Adjective | The mustachioed waiter bowed politely. |
| ‘Stache | Informal short form of moustache | Noun (slang) | Nice ‘stache! |
Is “maustache” a real word?
No, “maustache” is not a real word. Standard dictionaries list moustache and mustache but not maustache. The error usually comes from the unusual vowel pattern: people hear a sound in the middle and reach for “au” instead of “ou” or “u.”
What does moustache mean?
A moustache is the hair grown on the upper lip. The word came into English from French moustache, which came from Italian, which in turn goes back to a Greek word meaning “upper lip.”
- “He grew a thick moustache.”
- “The actor wore a fake moustache for the role.”
The related adjective is moustachioed or mustachioed, meaning having a large or striking moustache.
Is it moustache or mustache?
Both are correct. Moustache is the standard spelling in British English and is common in many Commonwealth countries. Mustache is the standard spelling in American English. The meaning is identical.
If you are writing for a US audience, use mustache. If you are writing for a UK audience, use moustache. Whichever you choose, keep it consistent throughout.
What is the difference between moustache vs maustache?
Moustache is a correct, accepted spelling, while maustache is a misspelling that appears in no standard dictionary. There is no difference in meaning to learn, because maustache has no meaning of its own.
- Use moustache for British, Australian and many other non-US audiences.
- Use mustache for American audiences.
- Never use maustache.
How do you pronounce moustache?
In American English, the stress usually falls on the first syllable (MUSS-tash). In British English, the stress usually falls on the second syllable (muh-STAHSH). The spelling difference does not change the meaning, only the convention.
What are common mistakes with moustache vs maustache?
Most errors are in the vowels or the ending. Watch for these pairs.
- ✗ He grew a maustache for charity.
✓ He grew a moustache for charity. - ✗ The maustachioed villain twirled his cape.
✓ The moustachioed villain twirled his cape. - ✗ She drew a moustach on the poster.
✓ She drew a moustache on the poster. - ✗ He wore a moustash to the costume party.
✓ He wore a moustache to the costume party. - ✗ The barber trimmed his moustache, then waxed the mustache.
✓ The barber trimmed his moustache, then waxed the moustache.
How can you remember which one to use?
Three simple hooks keep the spelling straight.
- Moustache starts like mouth. It sits right above the mouth, and both words begin with “mou.”
- The Americans drop a letter. Mustache is the shorter version, and the British keep the extra o.
- No “au” allowed. Neither accepted spelling has “au” in it, so “maustache” is always wrong.
Moustache vs Maustache FAQ
Is it moustache or maustache?
It is moustache, or mustache in American English. Maustache is not a word and is a misspelling.
Is it moustache or mustache?
Both are correct. Moustache is the British spelling, and mustache is the American spelling. They mean exactly the same thing.
Where does the word moustache come from?
It came into English from French, which took it from Italian, which goes back to a Greek word meaning upper lip.
How do you pronounce moustache?
American English usually stresses the first syllable (MUSS-tash), while British English usually stresses the second (muh-STAHSH).
What does mustachioed mean?
Mustachioed, or moustachioed, means having a large or striking moustache.
Conclusion
The moustache vs maustache question has a simple answer: moustache is correct, and maustache is a misspelling. If you write for Americans, use mustache, and if you write for the British, use moustache. Share this with someone who mixes these up.