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1
a
: combining characteristics of more than one kind
specifically : combining features of two or more systems of government
a mixed constitution
b
: made of different kinds of things mixed together or combined
mixed nuts/candy/greens
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
somewhat old-fashioned : 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
sending mixed messages/signals
received mixed reviews [=reviews that were both favorable and unfavorable]
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
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.
The result is a mixed and often delayed blood sugar pattern that many people feel hours after the meal. Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025 Boston is in for a holiday week of mixed weather, with some warmer temperatures and rain preceding a chilly and dry Thanksgiving Day, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 24 Nov. 2025 Over the years, Hollywood has had a mixed track record of success with big-screen adaptations of beloved Broadway musicals. Chris Lee, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025 Building mixed-gender team activities, academic collaborations, and sports is a good way to normalize competitiveness and reduce gender stereotypes and performance pressures. Soraya Chemaly, Time, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mixed

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mixte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

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Cite this Entry

“Mixed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mixed. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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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