mule

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: a hybrid between a horse and a donkey
especially : the offspring of a male donkey and a mare
b
: a self-sterile plant whether hybrid or not
c
: a usually sterile hybrid
2
: a very stubborn person
3
: a machine for simultaneously drawing and twisting fiber into yarn or thread and winding it into cops
4
slang : a person who smuggles or delivers illicit substances (such as drugs)

mule

2 of 3

noun (2)

: a shoe or slipper without quarter or heel strap compare scuff

mule

3 of 3

noun (3)

variants or less commonly Mule
plural mules also Mules
: moscow mule
The marvelous take on a classic mule swaps ginger beer for ginger kombucha … for a crisp, fresh-tasting award-worthy cocktail …PR Newswire

Examples of mule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Accessories, like a pair of kitten heel mules from Black Suede Studio and The Row’s Park tote, keep things clean and simple. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2024 Later in the summer, Cole Buxton is set to unveil its second shoe style, a pair of mules, ideal for a seamless transition between a beach and a house party under the Mediterranean sun. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 22 July 2024 Complete the look in a pair of black leather mules from Veronica Beard and Toteme’s patent leather shoulder bag. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2024 Kardashian selected a white cutout Grace Ling dress, pairing it with high-heeled PVC mules by Paris Texas. Hannah Malach, WWD, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mule 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French mul, from Latin mulus

Noun (2)

Middle French, a kind of slipper, from Latin mulleus shoe worn by magistrates

Noun (3)

short for moscow mule

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1562, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1996, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mule was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near mule

Cite this Entry

“Mule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

mule

1 of 2 noun
1
: the hybrid offspring of a horse and a donkey
especially : the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
2
: a very stubborn person
3
: a machine that draws and twists fiber into yarn or thread and winds it onto spindles

mule

2 of 2 noun
: a shoe or slipper that is open at the heel
Etymology

Noun

Middle English mule "the offspring of a donkey and a horse," from early French mul (same meaning), from Latin multus (same meaning)

Noun

from early French mule "slipper," from mulleus "a shoe worn by public officials"

Medical Definition

mule

noun
: a hybrid between a horse and a donkey
especially : the offspring of a male donkey and a mare
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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