mullet

noun

mul·​let ˈmə-lət 

plural mullet or mullets

1

: any of a family (Mugilidae) of chiefly marine bony fishes with an elongated rather stout body compare goatfish, red mullet

2

[perhaps short for mullethead blockhead] : a hairstyle in which the hair is short on the sides and top and long at the back

Illustration of mullet

• mullet 1

Examples of mullet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An evolution of the mullet-ish wolf cut, the cub cut is all about random layers with no clean lines. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026

From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026

During a busy Day 2 on which the Steelers traded up for a wide receiver, drafted a QB and brought in an offensive lineman with a mullet, Everette got lost in the shuffle. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Fresh fish like mackerel and mullet are smoked for 4 to 6 hours over native Florida Red Oak. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English molet, from Anglo-French mulet, from Latin mullus red mullet, from Greek myllos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mullet

• red mullet

Rhymes for mullet

• gullet
• rivulet

Kids Definition

mullet

noun

mul·​let ˈməl-ət 

plural mullet or mullets

: any of a family of mostly gray food fishes chiefly of salt water compare red mullet