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

Illustration of mullet
  • mullet 1

Examples of mullet in a Sentence

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.
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 Schade secured the blue ribbon in the best mullet contest after winning the 13-17 age category. Celia Brocker, Des Moines Register, 15 Aug. 2026 An evolution of the mullet-ish wolf cut, the cub cut is all about random layers with no clean lines. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mullet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mullet was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Mullet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mullet. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural mullet or mullets
: any of a family of mostly gray food fishes chiefly of salt water compare red mullet

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