1
: combining characteristics of more than one kind
specifically : combining features of two or more systems of government
a mixed constitution
2
: made up of or involving individuals or items of more than one kind: such as
a
: made up of or involving persons differing in race (see race entry 1 sense 1a), national origin, religion, or class
a mixed audience
a mixed family/household
b
: made up of or involving individuals of more than one sex
mixed company
3
: including or accompanied by inconsistent, incompatible, or contrary elements
mixed emotions
received mixed reviews
a mixed blessing
4
a
: deriving from two or more races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
people of mixed race
her mixed ancestry
b
: deriving from two or more breeds
a stallion of mixed blood

Examples of mixed in a Sentence

a can of mixed nuts We ate salads of mixed greens. They live in a mixed neighborhood. She's of mixed African and European ancestry. people of mixed racial origin His decision got a mixed reaction from the family. The experiment got mixed results.
Recent Examples on the Web But in terms of effecting actual change on the ground, garnering support from other countries’ citizens, and influencing the reform of international institutions, China’s record is more mixed. Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024 Women could not serve on juries until the 1870s, although even the recent history of their inclusion has been mixed. TIME, 22 Apr. 2024 These plastics include items like PVC pipes, yogurt cups, styrofoam takeout containers and miscellaneous items made from mixed or less common types of plastic. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024 Over the past few years, the No. 15 pick in the draft has produced mixed results. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2024 The camera updates aren't revolutionary but should allow for better results in mixed and low light. Jim Fisher, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024 This mixed legacy offers lessons as policymakers now consider transparency fixes for technologies like AI, online privacy, and broadband. TIME, 11 Apr. 2024 Lizabeth Cole, an avid DIYer who lives in Burnt Hills, N.Y., has painted two sets of kitchen countertops with mixed results. Helen Carefoot, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024 The trial also let David and showrunner Jeff Schaffer revisit the 1998 Seinfeld finale, which David wrote and has defended for years despite its very mixed reception at the time. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mixed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mixte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near mixed

Cite this Entry

“Mixed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mixed. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

mixed

adjective
1
a
: made of mingled or blended elements
mixed nuts
b
: combining features of more than one kind
a mixed economy
2
a
: involving persons differing in race, national origin, or religion
a mixed marriage
b
: made up of or involving individuals of both sexes
mixed company
a mixed chorus
3
: including or accompanied by different or opposing elements
a mixed blessing
a mixed reaction
4
: resulting from the crossing or breeding of individuals of different races or breeds
a stallion of mixed blood

Medical Definition

mixed

adjective
1
: combining features or exhibiting symptoms of more than one condition or disease
a mixed tumor
2
: producing more than one kind of secretion
mixed salivary glands

More from Merriam-Webster on mixed

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