mud

1 of 2

noun

1
: a slimy sticky mixture of solid material with a liquid and especially water
especially : soft wet earth
2
: abusive and malicious remarks or charges
political campaigners slinging mud at each other
3
: anathema sense 1a
usually used in the phrase one's name is mud
4
: a mixture of water, clay, and chemicals used in oil-well drilling and having various functions (such as lubrication and cooling of the bit and flushing of rock particles to the surface)

mud

2 of 2

verb

mudded; mudding

transitive verb

1
: to make muddy or turbid
2
: to treat or plaster with mud

Examples of mud in a Sentence

Noun He tracked mud into the house. The car was stuck in the mud.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The exterior is made of water-resistant suede to shield your toes from water, snow, and mud, and the padded heel collar prevents ankle blisters. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025 The bottom can also at times be limestone, not squishy mud, which again contributes to the unique coloring. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
The species is found in shallow coastal waters, including in the Gulf of Mexico near rock outcrops and sometimes mud, according to officials. Lauren Liebhaber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025 To start, use a stiff brush or scraper to remove as much dirt and mud off your tools as possible. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mud 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mudde, probably from Middle Low German

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near mud

Cite this Entry

“Mud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mud. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

mud

noun
ˈməd
: soft wet earth

More from Merriam-Webster on mud

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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