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)
variants
or less commonly Mule
plural mules also Mules
: moscow mule
Mules are traditionally lime, vodka, and ginger beer served in a copper mug, a very refreshing beverage …—
Santino Mattioli
Santino MattioliThe marvelous take on a classic mule swaps ginger beer for ginger kombucha … for a crisp, fresh-tasting award-worthy cocktail …—PR Newswire
PR NewswireExamples of mule in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
India Roby, Glamour, 18 May 2026
During the investigation, one mule was determined to be suffering to the extent that euthanasia was necessary and was carried out by the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office.
—Craig Daily Press, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Rue began the season working as a drug mule to pay off her debts to dealer Laurie.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 18 May 2026
The actress and filmmaker attended the red carpet as a guest during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in a black patent pair from the label, taking the transparent-heel idea away from the PVC mule and into a sculpted wedge.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mule
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Noun
Try fisherman sandals or flat mules with an oversized top and shorts for a more casual look, or opt for heeled thong sandals to elevate a suit that’ll go right to happy hour.
—India Roby, Glamour, 18 May 2026
During the investigation, one mule was determined to be suffering to the extent that euthanasia was necessary and was carried out by the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office.
—Craig Daily Press, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Rue began the season working as a drug mule to pay off her debts to dealer Laurie.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 18 May 2026
The actress and filmmaker attended the red carpet as a guest during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in a black patent pair from the label, taking the transparent-heel idea away from the PVC mule and into a sculpted wedge.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mule
Cite this Entry
“Mule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mule
1 of 2 noun1
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
