mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: directed by each toward the other or the others
mutual affection
b
: having the same feelings one for the other
they had long been mutual enemies
c
: shared in common
enjoying their mutual hobby
d
: joint
to their mutual advantage
2
: characterized by intimacy
mutual contacts
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

Example Sentences

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage. The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding. countries relying on mutual support during difficult times our mutual hobby of car racing It was a mutual effort. We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret. See More
Recent Examples on the Web They are also reportedly joined by their mutual friend Jack Antonoff. Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 May 2023 After meeting Gitchel, 46, at a warehouse store food court a few weeks prior to their get-together, the pair bonded over their mutual love of the Mariners, and Leticia offered to take him to the next game. Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 11 May 2023 The price-tag: 1 year, $3.5 million, with a $10 million mutual option or a $1 million buyout. – Minnesota Twins starter Sonny Gray could be in for a nice payday this winter as a free agent. Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, 7 May 2023 Watson led a volunteer fire department that regularly provided mutual aid to neighboring Sheridan and other fire agencies across Grant County. Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 May 2023 The Philippines gained its independence in 1946, and in 1951 entered into a mutual defense treaty with the United States. Katie Rogers, New York Times, 1 May 2023 And China has always worked to develop bilateral friendship and cooperation with them according to the principles of mutual respect and equality. Simone Mccarthy, CNN, 24 Apr. 2023 Unfortunately, Evelyn and her ancient lust object/blood enemy are not able to consummate their mutual interest as they are trapped in an action movie from the late ’90s. The Rachel Weisz Gay Index, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023 Yet in societies around the world, people cooperate to their mutual benefit. Bob Holmes, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mutual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mutual

Cite this Entry

“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence casesL. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriageLouisiana Civil Code
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mutual

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