What is the term for a group of mice? - briefly
A group of mice is commonly referred to as a “mischief.”
What is the term for a group of mice? - in detail
The collective noun for a gathering of mice is “mischief.” This word appears in several English dictionaries as the standard term for a group of these rodents. It is used primarily in informal and literary contexts, much like “gaggle” for geese or “herd” for cattle.
Other expressions occasionally surface in specific settings. In laboratory environments, researchers may refer to a “colony” of mice when describing a breeding population maintained under controlled conditions. Field biologists sometimes use “nest” to denote a cluster of mice living together in a burrow system, especially when the focus is on their shelter rather than their number. The term “horde” appears in colloquial speech to emphasize a large, chaotic aggregation, but it lacks formal recognition as a collective noun.
Etymologically, “mischief” derives from Middle English “mis-” (wrong) and “chief” (deed), originally meaning wrongdoing. Its application to mice likely arose from the animals’ reputation for causing minor damage in homes and stores. The word entered the lexicon of collective nouns in the 19th century, parallel to other whimsical group names coined by writers such as Charles Dickens and William Barnes.
In scientific literature, the phrase “population of Mus spp.” replaces collective nouns, providing precise taxonomic reference. Nevertheless, when a non‑technical description is required, “mischief” remains the accepted term. Usage examples include: “A mischief of mice scurried across the attic floor,” and “The laboratory mischief consisted of twenty‑four genetically identical individuals.”