mulligrubs

plural noun

mul·​li·​grubs
variants or mullygrubs
ˈməlēˌgrəbz
or less commonly mollygrubs
ˈmäl-
1
: a despondent, sullen, or ill-tempered mood : sulks, blues
2
: a griping of the intestines : colic

Word History

Etymology

alteration (probably influenced by grub) of earlier mulliegrums, perhaps alteration (perhaps influenced by obsolete English mully dusty, moldy, from English mull entry 1 + -y) of megrims, plural of megrim entry 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near mulligrubs

Cite this Entry

“Mulligrubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulligrubs. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!