mole
word
Definition
A mole can be a small animal that lives underground, a dark spot on the skin, or a person who secretly gives information from inside a group or organization.
Usage & Nuances
This word has three common meanings, so context is very important. For the animal, English often says 'blind as a mole' or talks about 'molehills'. For the skin meaning, 'mole' is neutral and common in everyday speech. For the secret-agent meaning, it is common in news, crime stories, and office politics.
Example Sentences
A mole dug holes in our garden last night.
basic
They spent months trying to find the mole leaking information to the press.
natural
She has a small mole on her neck.
basic
The police think there is a mole in the company.
basic
I should probably get this mole checked by a doctor.
natural
Our yard looks terrible—some mole has turned it into a maze.
natural