Mule

/mjuːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse, typically used as a pack animal.

The farmer used a mule to carry heavy loads across the rugged terrain.

A person who smuggles drugs or other illegal items.

Customs agents caught the mule trying to bring contraband into the country.

A person who is stubborn or obstinate.

He can be a real mule when it comes to changing his plans.

verb

To be stubborn or obstinate.

She tends to mule over decisions instead of being flexible.

Middle English 'mul', from Old French 'mule', from Latin 'mulus'.

stubborn as a mule

Extremely obstinate or inflexible.

mule train

A line of pack mules carrying goods.

mule driver's license

A term sometimes used for someone who can't keep secrets.

hinny

A hybrid animal that is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey.

donkey

A domesticated member of the horse family, used as a beast of burden.

A drug smuggler.

He was caught being a mule for a drug trafficking operation.

A stubborn person.

Don't be such a mule; just admit you were wrong!