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
Shoppers can save up to 55 percent on sneakers, slides, mules, and more from top brands like Keds, Reebok, and Toms. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 There’s also a forthcoming DLS Turbo project, of which the test mule and first customer car are both currently underway. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 Chioma and Martine went on to discuss some of the latter’s other iconic collaborations—including the Nike Shox mules that everyone in the Vogue offices love, and her work on Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem’s concert merch. Chelsea Daniel, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 Loafers or mules will jazz up your bottom half, while a blazer or trench coat will make your ’fit look more intentional. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 Prada satin mules Manolo Blahnik Carolyn 50 elaphe slingback pumps M.Gemi The Marzia pumps Mango pointed toe leather shoes Jil Sander leather slingback pumps Cos pointed leather kitten-heel pumps Heirloom in the Making Top-Handle Bags Looking for a hero handbag to invest in? Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2024 These slipper mules are constructed from a soft suede material and feature ultra-soft sheepskin interiors to keep soles comfortable and cozy. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 The orange has a leather feature while the black mules feature a pony hair detail, and the lavender pair has a matte leather finish. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 26 Jan. 2024 Mezcal is now ubiquitous in cocktails served around the world: the mezcal negroni, the mezcal margarita, the mezcal mule. Tucker Harris, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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