What is the collective noun for mice and rats? - briefly
A group of mice is commonly referred to as a herd (also called a mischief or a nest). A group of rats is typically called a mischief, though pack or swarm are also accepted terms.
What is the collective noun for mice and rats? - in detail
A collective noun designates a group of animals as a single entity. For small rodents, several established terms exist, each with specific nuance and frequency of use.
For mice, the most widely recognized collective noun is “a colony of mice.” This term appears in scientific literature describing populations in laboratory settings and natural habitats. Alternative, less formal expressions include “a nest of mice” and “a horde of mice,” the latter often employed for large, uncontrolled numbers.
For rats, common collective nouns are “a herd of rats” and “a pack of rats.” Both appear in historical texts describing swarms that invade grain stores or urban sewers. “A swarm of rats” emphasizes rapid, overwhelming movement, while “a plague of rats” conveys a severe infestation, frequently used in literary descriptions of disease outbreaks.
Several collective nouns overlap for both species, such as “a colony” and “a horde.” These terms are interchangeable when the precise species is irrelevant, focusing instead on the size or behavior of the group.
Usage varies by region and context. Scientific reports favor “colony,” whereas narrative prose often adopts “herd,” “pack,” or “plague” for dramatic effect. No single term holds universal authority; the appropriate choice depends on the desired emphasis—size, organization, or threat level.