mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: directed by each toward the other or the others
mutual affection
b
: having the same feelings one for the other
they had long been mutual enemies
c
: shared in common
enjoying their mutual hobby
d
: joint
to their mutual advantage
2
: characterized by intimacy
mutual contacts
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage. The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding. countries relying on mutual support during difficult times our mutual hobby of car racing It was a mutual effort. We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.
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.
The pair were introduced by mutual friends Jensen and Danneel Ackles, that same year and sparks immediately flew. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Tariffs were paused on April 8 for 90 days, except for China where mutual tariffs shot up to above 100 percent. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy both joined the navy, aware that fine military records would support their political aspirations; the relationship between the two men, moving from mutual respect to bitter rivalry, is one of the book’s stronger story lines. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 In addition to crews from Washington, mutual aid was provided by the Bantam Fire Company as well as the Kent, Northville, Gaylordsville, Litchfield and Cornwall Fire Departments. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mutual

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutual was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence casesL. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriageLouisiana Civil Code
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

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