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

Mules are traditionally lime, vodka, and ginger beer served in a copper mug, a very refreshing beverage …

—Santino Mattioli

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

In terms of the fall 2026 footwear lineup, the Steffi block-heel ballerina, Davina stiletto mule and Lennox slouchy boot are all key styles showcased in the campaign. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026

Here, a structured leopard-print jacket adds personality to a classic gray pencil skirt, while sheer tights and matching leopard-print mules create a cohesive, fashion-forward finish. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Add a touch of elegance with these mules that resemble Garner’s sleek pair. — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Dior, elsewhere, energized a black maxi with chartreuse mules. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for mule

• boule
• brule
• buhl
• cool
• drool
• fool
• ghoul
• pool
• poul
• rule
• school
• spool

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