mule

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈmyül 

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

Pair it with classic slingbacks or mules for a more sophisticated summer look. —Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024

Boat shoes and mules were key footwear trends, and the weekend bag and the mini crossbody will be the go-to bag options this season. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 18 June 2024

The video was released one day after Combs’ former assistant and accused drug mule Brendan Paul cut a plea deal in a federal cocaine possession case against him. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 19 May 2024

The footwear in the collection is a story in contrasts—hiking boots for the outdoors or slides and mules for less active use. —Stephen Garner For Footwear News, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2021

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

Phrases Containing mule

• (as) stubborn as a mule
• Moscow mule
• mule deer
• mule skinner

Kids Definition

mule

1 of 2 noun

ˈmyü(ə)l 

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

ˈmyü(ə)l 

: a hybrid between a horse and a donkey

especially : the offspring of a male donkey and a mare