muleta

noun

mu·​le·​ta mü-ˈlā-tə How to pronounce muleta (audio)
myü-
: a small cloth attached to a short tapered stick and used by a matador in place of the large cape during the final stage of a bullfight

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Would a toreador be insulted when the bull responds to the muleta? Leah Garchik, SFChronicle.com, 19 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'muleta.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, crutch, muleta, diminutive of mula she-mule, from Latin, feminine of mulus mule

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muleta was in 1791

Dictionary Entries Near muleta

Cite this Entry

“Muleta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muleta. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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