mulling

¹

[muhl-ing]

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.

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

[muhl-ing]

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.

Word History and Origins

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

What questions are you mulling over as we await the ceremony to begin, my friend?

From Los Angeles Times

It is not known whether this was one of the issues Sir Jim Ratcliffe was mulling over when the camera panned to him in the last dregs of United's latest damaging loss under Amorim's charge.

From BBC

The Scottish government is currently mulling over a direct award.

From BBC

“I basically love all generations of people, I love kids, and I really love my parents,” he said, mulling over his cross-generational appeal.

From Los Angeles Times

Weighing in on such a high-profile and controversial case could be politically risky for Newsom, who said to be mulling a presidential run.

From BBC