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

India's central bank is also mulling measures to tackle digital scammers.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

A raft of nations are now reportedly mulling a similar social media crackdown.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

In a discussion paper released earlier this month, the central bank said it was mulling several measures to tackle the problem.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Jimmy Garoppolo, Stafford’s backup the last two seasons, is a free agent and mulling retirement, according to McVay and Snead.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

In late November, Abel was on his way home from the book, mulling over a chapter he had just read.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig