mullein

noun

mul·​lein ˈmə-lən How to pronounce mullein (audio)
variants or less commonly mullen
: any of a genus (Verbascum) of usually woolly-leaved Eurasian herbs of the snapdragon family including some that are naturalized in North America

Examples of mullein in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An example from the 12th-century English compendium of animal lore, the Aberdeen Bestiary, tells of bears coating sores with mullein. — Adrienne Mayor, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2024 Leaving blackberry, mullein, ironweed, mountain mint, Joe Pye weed, sunflowers and wild bergamot standing can make a huge difference. — Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moleyne, from Anglo-French moleine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mullein was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing mullein

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“Mullein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mullein. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

mullein

noun
mul·​lein
variants also mullen
ˈməl-ən How to pronounce mullein (audio)
: a tall herb related to the snapdragons and having coarse woolly leaves and spikes of usually yellow flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on mullein

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mullein

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