mulling

¹ American  

[muhl-ing] / ˈmʌl ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of reflecting or ruminating carefully on something (often followed byover ).

   After reading that book on simplifying life, I’ve been doing some heavy mulling and pondering.

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adjective

1. reflecting or ruminating carefully on something.

   News hound, artist, analyst, or mulling philosopher—all will find this man’s story an unparalleled feast.

mulling ² American  

[muhl-ing] / ˈmʌl ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of heating wine, cider, ale, etc., sweetening it, and flavoring it with spices.

   Their gourmet spice blends carry the strong flavor needed for the mulling of wines, ciders, or juices.

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Etymology

Origin of mulling¹

First recorded in 1885–90; mull ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; mull ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Origin of mulling²

mull ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mulling the evolution of global trade, Lula criticised moves away from free trade towards protectionism by some powers, without mentioning any by name, just as emerging economies seek to carve out their own role.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Mulling the possibility, he threatened to impose sanctions if Putin didn’t agree to a ceasefire.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

Mulling over this quandary, Phillips turned her attention toward organic sulfur, molecules in which sulfur is bound to a carbon compound.

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2023

Mulling over that imagery, Baumbach struck on the idea of turning DeLillo’s dazed supermarket wandering into a kind of dance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022

Mulling over the loss to Rosemont, he took out Seabiscuit’s blinkers and a pocketknife and cut small holes in the back of each eye cup, giving the horse two rearview windows.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand