adj Uncommon

moot

Moot (adj) means Open to debate; not settled, or (especially in American English) no longer having any practical importance. Example: “Whether the plan would have worked is now a moot point since it was cancelled.”

adj

Open to debate; not settled, or (especially in American English) no longer having any practical importance.

"Whether the plan would have worked is now a moot point since it was cancelled."

"The question became moot once the company closed down."

noun

A practice legal case argued by law students for training purposes.

"She argued both sides of the case in a law school moot."

verb

To raise a subject for discussion.

"He mooted the idea of working from home permanently."

How to use moot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs an adjective, "debatable" (UK) or "no longer relevant" (US); as a verb, to bring something up for discussion.

UK vs US

In British English "moot point" usually means genuinely open to debate; in American English it more often means the point no longer matters.

Easily confused with

mute →

Common pairings

a moot point moot the idea moot court

Word forms

more moot comparative, mooted past tense, mooted past tense, moots plural, moots plural, moots plural, moots plural, moots plural, moots singular, moots singular, most moot superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Whether the plan would have worked is now a _____ point since it was cancelled.

Etymology

From Old English (ge)mōt, meaning a formal meeting or assembly — the same root as "meet."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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consider debate deliberate turn over

Related words

think give deal view considered consider slow discussion

Rhymes for moot

oot foot boot root loot coot hoot toot soot doot zoot shoot

See all rhymes for moot →

Frequently asked questions

What does “moot” mean?

The word “moot” means open to debate; not settled, or (especially in American English) no longer having any practical importance. In plain terms, as an adjective, "debatable" (UK) or "no longer relevant" (US); as a verb, to bring something up for discussion.

How do you pronounce “moot”?

“Moot” is pronounced moot (/muːt/ in IPA).

How do you use “moot” in a sentence?

Here is “moot” used in a sentence: “Whether the plan would have worked is now a moot point since it was cancelled.”

What part of speech is “moot”?

Depending on how it is used, “moot” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “moot” come from?

The word “moot” comes from Old English. From Old English (ge)mōt, meaning a formal meeting or assembly — the same root as "meet.".

Is “moot” a common word?

“Moot” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “moot” have?

“Moot” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: open to debate; not settled, or (especially in American English) no longer having any practical importance.

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think give deal view considered consider slow discussion