Mustache vs. Moustache: What’s the Difference?

Both spellings refer to the hair grown above the upper lip.

The only difference is regional spelling:

Mustache → ✔ American English Moustache → ✔ British/Commonwealth English

Meaning, pronunciation, and usage are the same.

1. Mustache

Meaning

Mustache is the preferred spelling in American English.
Use it when writing for U.S. audiences, publications, or style guides.

Examples (10 total)

1. He trimmed his mustache this morning.
2. The actor grew a mustache for the role.
3. His mustache made him look older.
4. She complimented his new mustache style.
5. He shaved his mustache for the interview.
6. The barber shaped the mustache carefully.
7. His mustache curled at the ends.
8. He wore a fake mustache for the costume party.
9. The mustache trend is becoming popular again.
10. He dyed his mustache to match his beard.

🧠 Tip:
For American readers, always use mustache.

2. Moustache

Meaning

Moustache is the preferred spelling in British English, Canadian English, and Australian English.

Examples (10 total)

1. He trimmed his moustache neatly.
2. The detective’s big moustache was iconic.
3. His moustache gave him a distinguished look.
4. She admired his moustache style.
5. He shaved off his moustache in summer.
6. The barber shaped the moustache perfectly.
7. His moustache was thick and bushy.
8. He wore a fake moustache for the play.
9. Moustache competitions are held in many countries.
10. He dyed his moustache for Movember.

🧠 Tip:
For British or international audiences, use moustache.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 US = Mustache (shorter spelling)
👉 UK = Moustache (longer spelling, like “colour,” “favour”)

Memory trick:
British English often keeps the older, more decorative spelling.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking one spelling is more correct
✔ Both are correct—just different regions

❌ Switching spellings in the same document
✔ Stay consistent with one form

❌ Adding extra letters (e.g., “mustach”)
✔ Spell it fully: mustache / moustache

Writing More Naturally

Choosing the correct regional spelling makes your writing cleaner and more consistent. If you want help polishing tone, fixing small errors, and improving readability, an humanize AI text tool can refine your writing automatically.

FAQs

1. Are mustache and moustache the same word?

Yes — just different spellings.

2. Which spelling is more common?

“Mustache” in the U.S., “moustache” in the U.K. and Commonwealth.

3. Is the pronunciation different?

No — the pronunciation is the same.

4. Which should I use?

Choose based on your audience or style guide.

Practice: Choose the Correct Spelling

(Use the version consistent with your preferred region.)

1. He shaved his __________ yesterday.
2. Her father has a very thick __________.
3. The actor grew a __________ for the movie.
4. He wore a fake __________ during Halloween.
5. His __________ needs trimming.

Answers

(American: mustache / British: moustache)

1. mustache / moustache
2. mustache / moustache
3. mustache / moustache
4. mustache / moustache
5. mustache / moustache