mule
mule Lexical Profile
mule Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sturdy hybrid animal that is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, typically sterile and valued for its endurance and strength as a pack animal.
"The farmers relied on a trusty mule to carry heavy supplies up the steep mountain trail."
A person who is paid, coerced, or tricked into transporting illegal drugs or contraband across borders.
"The border patrol arrested a suspected drug mule attempting to smuggle contraband in their luggage."
A style of shoe or slipper that has no back or constraint around the heel of the foot.
"She slipped on a pair of comfortable velvet mules before walking down the stairs."
• Rhymes for mule
Word Origin & Etymology
The animal sense derives from Old French 'mul', from Latin 'mulus'. The footwear sense comes from French 'mule', ultimately from Latin 'mulleus', referring to a reddish-purple shoe worn by high-ranking Roman officials.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.