mutton

noun

mut·​ton ˈmə-tᵊn 

: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food

muttony

ˈmə-tᵊn-ē 

ˈmət-nē

adjective

Examples of mutton in a Sentence

a meal of mutton and potatoes

Recent Examples on the Web

Other malls seem to be resisting this movement altogether, standing sentinel with their faux-brick tiling and plastic ferns, even as vendors abandon ship and their kiosks clank shut for the last time, having sold their final mutton roll or polyester-blend nightgown. —Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025

In addition to sporting events and music, the rodeo will also consist of family friendly activities like mutton bustin', clowns and rodeo queens who will compete for prize money. —Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Dec. 2025

Appetizers include the chicken masakali, mutton pepper roast and garlic paneer. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Order castradina, the mutton and cabbage stew that’s the day’s default dinner. —Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English motoun, mutton, sheep, from Anglo-French mutun ram, sheep, mutton, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish molt wether

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mutton

• leg-of-mutton
• leg-o'-mutton
• mutton dressed as lamb

Rhymes for mutton

• button
• clutton
• glutton
• witan
• unbutton

Video

Words of the Year: 1066

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

Kids Definition

mutton

noun

mut·​ton ˈmət-ᵊn 

: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food

Etymology

from French mouton "sheep"