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
The marvelous take on a classic mule swaps ginger beer for ginger kombucha … for a crisp, fresh-tasting award-worthy cocktail …—
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PR NewswireExamples of mule in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Dinsdale’s party’s included two mules; one cost $150, the other $180.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 Apr. 2025
The fleece fabric adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort, making these mules perfect for a dinner out after a long day of sightseeing or travel.
—Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025
Another reviewer shared that the mules did not worsen their existing foot pain.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mule
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Noun
Volunteers used everything from ATVs to pack mules to reach them, prioritizing the delivery of drinking water, oxygen, and insulin.
—Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Dinsdale’s party’s included two mules; one cost $150, the other $180.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 Apr. 2025
The fleece fabric adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort, making these mules perfect for a dinner out after a long day of sightseeing or travel.
—Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025
Another reviewer shared that the mules did not worsen their existing foot pain.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mule
Cite this Entry
“Mule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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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