mutton

noun

mut·​ton ˈmə-tᵊn How to pronounce mutton (audio)
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
muttony
ˈmə-tᵊn-ē How to pronounce mutton (audio)
ˈmət-nē
adjective

Examples of mutton in a Sentence

a meal of mutton and potatoes
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.
Among the events to expect are bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and mutton busters. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 In the animal study, mice were fed three types of red meat – pork, beef and mutton – every day for two weeks. New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025 Gunja’s husband was a drunk who sold chicken and mutton bones for a living, collecting them from dhaba eating places, then transporting them to a bone-meal-fertilizer factory. Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025 The picnic also offers signature barbecue dishes, including pork and mutton. Hannah Pinski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mutton

Word History

Etymology

Middle English motoun, mutton, sheep, from Anglo-French mutun ram, sheep, mutton, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish molt wether

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutton was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutton. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mutton

noun
mut·​ton ˈmət-ᵊn How to pronounce mutton (audio)
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
Etymology

from French mouton "sheep"

More from Merriam-Webster on mutton

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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