mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: directed by each toward the other or the others
mutual affection
b
: having the same feelings one for the other
they had long been mutual enemies
c
: shared in common
enjoying their mutual hobby
d
: joint
to their mutual advantage
2
: characterized by intimacy
mutual contacts
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage. The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding. countries relying on mutual support during difficult times our mutual hobby of car racing It was a mutual effort. We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the six weeks since the suits were filed, the two sides have waged a battle in public and in court over a range of issues, including the professional rules governing out-of-court statements, the proper scope of subpoenas, and now the protective order that will govern mutual discovery. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025 Four years before Hayley Sullivan and Deven Marrero would form their own wedding party together, the pair met while serving the role of bridesmaid and groomsman respectively at a mutual friend’s New Year’s Eve wedding in 2021. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025 The film is based on their own burgeoning musical relationship, which turned personal for a couple of years after its release, and their quick glances at each other during the tender song indicates undeniable mutual affection. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Ensuring mutual alignment in values and goals is crucial for the partnership to sustain over time and create lasting impact. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mutual

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutual was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence casesL. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriageLouisiana Civil Code
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mutual

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