Quick answer
Mole means a small burrowing mammal; also a spy working secretly inside a group. It is usually pronounced mohl, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Mole
Mole means a small burrowing mammal; also a spy working secretly inside a group. It belongs to weird animal and nature words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
animalsnatureoddity
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, mole refers to a small burrowing mammal; also a spy working secretly inside a group. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Mole feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Mole is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Mole is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as mole.
- In the novel, one mole is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used mole in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain mole before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating mole because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use mole when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
aardvark, axolotl, aye-aye, badger, bumblebee
Opposite or contrasting words
ordinary pet, familiar farm animal, common creature
Common questions
- What does mole mean? A small burrowing mammal; also a spy working secretly inside a group.
- How do you pronounce mole? It is commonly pronounced mohl.
- Is mole still used today? Mole is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use mole? Use mole when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to mole? Similar words include aardvark, axolotl, aye-aye, and badger.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.