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

Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 June 2026

Madonna unveiled a major hair transformation, a bouncy mullet with wispy bangs, that looks straight out of the '80s. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 22 June 2026

Beyond Mutra, other restaurants specializing in Israeli cuisine have earned stars or recognition from Michelin, including the one-star Shabour in Paris, where Israeli chef Assaf Granit serves plates of seared mullet as a take on bouillabaisse, and semolina pudding with orange blossom. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

What the champagne supernova has taught us is that this isn’t all Kyle’s fault, this isn’t all because of his partying and DJ-ing and mullet (please don’t bring it back). — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 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