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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mulling

She opted for a snap general election in April 2017, after mulling the decision over on a walking holiday in Wales.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

About 45% remain undecided — far more than are still mulling the mayor’s race, but far fewer than were on the fence a month ago.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

For 20 minutes I lay alone, in the dark, mulling over what I’d been told.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

U.S. officials said he’s mulling over another such gathering to outline his priorities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

“I was mulling wine. Will my lord take a cup?”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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