Mule
mjuːl
Definitions
3 meaningsA hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for its strength and stubbornness.
mjuːl
A hybrid animal.
The farmer used a mule to pull the cart.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really strong, sometimes a little stubborn, animal that's a mix between a donkey and a horse. They're great for carrying heavy things!
👶 For kids: A mule is like a mix of a donkey and a horse. They're strong and can carry heavy things.
More Examples
Mules are known for their endurance and strength.
The mule carried the supplies through the rugged terrain.
How It's Used
"Farmers used mules to plow fields and transport goods."
"Mules played a significant role in warfare, especially before mechanization."
A person who smuggles illegal drugs across borders or other checkpoints.
mjuːl
A person who smuggles drugs.
The customs officers searched the passengers, looking for drug mules.
💡 Simply: A 'mule' in this case is someone who secretly carries illegal things like drugs across borders. It's like the animal but for bad stuff.
👶 For kids: A drug mule is someone who carries bad stuff (drugs) for other people without being caught.
More Examples
The criminal organization used mules to distribute the drugs.
She was forced to act as a mule to pay off her debts.
How It's Used
"The police arrested the drug mule at the airport."
"Smugglers often recruit mules to transport illegal substances."
A type of shoe that has no back.
mjuːl
A type of slipper.
She loved wearing her comfortable mules around the house.
💡 Simply: Think of a comfy slipper without a back, easy to slip on and off. They’re like the simple shoe version of a mule.
👶 For kids: Mules are shoes that you can slip on and off easily because they don't have a back, like slippers.
More Examples
The stylist chose a pair of mules to complete the outfit.
The mules came in a variety of materials, including leather and satin.
How It's Used
"She wore a pair of elegant velvet mules to the party."
"The store had a variety of mules in different colors and styles."
Idioms & expressions
stubborn as a mule
Very stubborn and unwilling to change one's mind.
"He's as stubborn as a mule and won't listen to anyone's advice."
From Middle English *mule*, from Old French *mul*, from Latin *mūlus*.
Historically, mules have been used as beasts of burden in agriculture and transportation, dating back to ancient times.
Memory tip
Think of a stubborn, strong animal that's a cross between a donkey and a horse.