mud

1 of 2

noun

ˈməd 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• guck
• gook
• mire
• muck
• ooze
• slime
• slop
• sludge
• slush

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

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

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

Phrases Containing mud

• as clear as mud
• drag someone's name through the mud
• drag through the mire/mud
• drilling mud
• mud dauber
• mud flap
• mud puppy
• mud season
• mud turtle
• sling/throw mud
• someone's name is mud
• stick-in-the-mud

Kids Definition

mud

noun

ˈməd

: soft wet earth