mules: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1The animal sense is neutral; the criminal sense is informal/negative; the shoe sense is fashion-specific.
Quick answer
What does “mules” mean?
The plural form of 'mule', referring to the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for its strength and stubbornness. Can also refer to a type of backless slipper.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'mule', referring to the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for its strength and stubbornness. Can also refer to a type of backless slipper.
In modern contexts, can refer to individuals exploited to carry illegal goods (drug mules) or data across borders (computer/data mules). In computing, a 'mule' can be a test account or a secondary character in a game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all senses. The shoe sense ('mule' as backless slipper) is common in fashion contexts globally.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. The criminal 'drug mule' sense is universally understood.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English for the 'shoe' sense due to fashion marketing.
Grammar
How to Use “mules” in a Sentence
The mules carried the supplies up the mountain.They used mules to transport the equipment.She was arrested for acting as a mule.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mules” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb form.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb form.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in logistics (historical) or smuggling contexts.
Academic
Used in biology (genetics, hybridisation) and criminology.
Everyday
Common for the animal; the shoe sense is everyday in fashion talk.
Technical
In computing/gaming: a test account or secondary character.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mules”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mules”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mules”
- Using 'mules' as a singular (incorrect: 'a mules'; correct: 'a mule').
- Confusing 'mules' (animals/shoes) with 'mules' as a verb form (which doesn't exist).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'mules' is only a plural noun. The related verb is 'to mule' (very rare, meaning to act as a courier for illegal goods).
A donkey is a pure species. A mule is a sterile hybrid, the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, generally larger and stronger.
The term comes from the Roman 'mulleus calceus', a red or purple shoe worn by high officials. The modern backless style resembles simpler, servant-like footwear, later associated with the humble pack animal.
No. The singular is always 'mule'. 'Mules' is strictly plural.
The plural form of 'mule', referring to the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for its strength and stubbornness. Can also refer to a type of backless slipper.
Mules is usually the animal sense is neutral; the criminal sense is informal/negative; the shoe sense is fashion-specific. in register.
Mules: in British English it is pronounced /mjuːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /mjuːlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stubborn as a mule”
- “work like a mule”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MULES are USEFUL for carrying loads, but they can be STUBBORN.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A BEAST OF BURDEN (for the criminal sense).
Practice
Quiz
In criminal slang, a 'mule' is primarily someone who: