Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » mule

mule

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a mule is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey, or a stubborn person, or a person who has been hired to move illegal drugs from place to place.

(noun)

When a female horse and a male donkey are bred and a sterile hybrid offspring is born, this offspring is an example of a mule.
When your stubborn dad refuses to get a cell phone or Internet despite your best efforts to explain how these communication tools work, this is an example of him being as stubborn as a mule.
A person who moves illegal drugs from Mexico into the United States is an example of a mule.

See mule in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the offspring of a donkey and a horse; esp., the offspring of a jackass and a mare: mules are nearly always sterile
a small tractor or electric engine used to tow boats along a canal or move mine cars
a machine for drawing and spinning cotton fibers into yarn and winding the yarn on spindles
a hybrid animal, as the offspring of a canary and some other finch; esp., a sterile hybrid
Informal a stubborn person
Slang a person who smuggles drugs or narcotics into a country

Origin: OFr, fem. of mul < L mulus, mule

noun

a lounging slipper that does not cover the heel

Origin: Fr, ult. < L mulleus, red or purple shoe < IE base *mel-, dark-colored > Gr melas, black

See mule in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The sterile hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, characterized by long ears and a short mane.
A sterile hybrid, as between a canary and other birds or between certain plants.
Informal A stubborn person.
A spinning machine that makes thread or yarn from fibers. Also called spinning mule.
A small, usually electric tractor or locomotive used for hauling over short distances.
Slang A person who serves as a courier of illegal drugs.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French mul

Origin: and from Old English mūl

Origin: , both from Latin mūlus

noun

A slipper or shoe that has no counter or strap to fit around the heel.

Origin:

Origin: Probably French, slipper

Origin: , possibly from Middle Dutch muil

Origin: , ultimately from Latin mulleus (calceus), reddish-purple (ceremonial shoe)

(click for a larger image)