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

The post also featured a snap of Cyrus and Parton sitting cheek-to-cheek, with his legendary mullet and Canadian tuxedo giving Dolly’s towering blonde wig and canary yellow dress a run for their money in the flair department. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

The business end of her mullet starts with piecey, asymmetrical bangs that skim her forehead and a choppy, cropped shape around the crown and sides. — Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Sep. 2026

These fairs stay fresh by offering additional activities to complement the tried-and-true, such as haunted attractions, new rides, a rodeo or quirky contests (keep an eye out for the best mullet). — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Despite the bravado of his flowing mullet and leopard print G-string, Pat is tragically ill-equipped for today’s rules of engagement. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 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