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

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

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.
Recent Examples on the Web The two met through mutual friends in November 2023. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 During these mutual events, one of the asteroids in the system can cast a shadow on the other, or block our view from Earth. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024 Vanderpump alums and mutual friends Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, and Brock make appearances in The Valley’s first episode. Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 Every bit of dialogue is packed with subtext, as mutual wariness and hopes and old wounds hamper the characters’ ability to communicate with each other. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 The episode was the culmination of a long withdrawal that each of us had made from the other—for some time, our mutual unhappiness had felt like too delicate or intimate a subject to broach. Zach Williams, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Bonus: Lily and Ted's mutual rooftop confessions took the show to a more honest place. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024 Traveling in Kosovo is a masterclass in the art of hospitality; any tiny interaction unravels into hearty welcomes and long conversations, no mutual language required. Naomi Tomky, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2024 The idea of a mutual seal of approval between Hüller and the notoriously celebrity-averse Philo just feels right. Condé Nast, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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