red mullet

noun

: goatfish
especially : either of two red or reddish food fishes (Mullus surmuletus and M. barbatus) of the Mediterranean Sea and the warmer Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa that are noted for their ability to change color

Examples of red mullet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Some of the country’s most traditional dishes, from croquettes to red mullet fish to eggplant and squid, are fried in extra virgin olive oil. Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026 Santorini, Greece The island’s Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection, helps guests connect with the famous blue waters of the caldera with net-fishing lessons that often haul in barbouni (red mullet) and skaros (parrot fish). Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026 Bowie sported a flaming red mullet, glamorous outfits and pale white makeup for the character, who became a lasting symbol of the 1970s. Alex Heigl, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 Undoubtedly the most recognizable piece of Ziggy Stardust’s look was his hair—a red mullet, which Bowie repeated for another alter ego, Aladdin Sane. Vicky Vera, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025 Head to one of Carouge’s oldest bistros, Bistrot du Lion d’Or, for refined French Swiss cuisine with Mediterranean flair (such as red mullet fish stuffed with fregola and Iberian chorizo), or go for something warming at Indian Rasoi, whose drinks menu focuses on wines from the Geneva region. Anna Haines, AFAR Media, 23 July 2025 Displayed on ice is the day’s catch, which might be pretty red mullet, fat scampi, John Dory, branzino and more, all grilled to perfection and served with French fries. John Mariani, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red mullet was in 1761

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Cite this Entry

“Red mullet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20mullet. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

red mullet

noun
: either of two red or reddish goatfishes of warm seas that are used as food
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