mullein

or mul·len

[ muhl-uhn ]

/ ˈmʌl ən /

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noun

any of various plants belonging to the genus Verbascum, of the figwort family, native to the Old World, especially V. thapsus, a tall plant with woolly leaves and a dense spike of yellow flowers.

any of several similar plants.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of mullein

1325–75; Middle English moleine<Anglo-French, perhaps derivative of mol soft <Latin mollis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mullein in a sentence

Two Senate reports and eight House reports, along with a State Department review led by Thomas Pickering and Mike Mullen.
The B Is Back: The Benghazi Hearings Are Bullsh*t|Michael Tomasky|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Admiral Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be among the special guests in attendance.
PepsiCo Foundation Kicks Off Super Bowl Weekend with $1 Million Donation to Support Returning Service Members||February 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Pickering and ARB co-chairman retired Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will testify before the committee September 19, Cummings noted.
Congress: Hillary’s Benghazi Investigation Let Top Officials Escape Blame|Josh Rogin|September 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When Admiral Mullen testified, it was one of the most memorable moments of our lives.
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s Favorite World of Wonder Clips (VIDEO)|Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato|February 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen pointed out the problem with such a measure.
Here's An Idea: Pick Ellison For State|Eli Clifton|December 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
At last the Queen, whose mouth was now quite filled with bits of the mullen-stalk, mumbled, "Get to the point."
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
Among the horses was Mattie Mullen, who for a considerable period was the fastest short distance horse on the entire coast.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman
Tom Mullen, start us a good rousing chorus—that one you sang when we chased the French.
The Cruise of the "Lively Bee"|John De Morgan
But I take it he must have been an older man than our Bartholomew—nor his other name wasn't Mullen, neither.
The Nerve of Foley|Frank H. Spearman
You've heard how madly fond of her old Mullen became in his last days?
Patty's Perversities|Arlo Bates

British Dictionary definitions for mullein

mullein

mullen

/ (ˈmʌlɪn) /

noun

any of various European herbaceous plants of the scrophulariaceous genus Verbascum, such as V. thapsus (common mullein or Aaron's rod), typically having tall spikes of yellow flowers and broad hairy leavesSee also Aaron's rod

Word Origin for mullein

C15: from Old French moleine, probably from Old French mol soft, from Latin mollis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012