mulish

[ myoo-lish ]

adjective

1. of or like a mule, as being very stubborn, obstinate, or intractable.

mulish

/ ˈmjuːlɪʃ /

adjective

1. stubborn; obstinate; headstrong

Derived Forms

• ˈmulishness, noun
• ˈmulishly, adverb

Other Words From

• mulish·ly adverb
• mulish·ness noun
• un·mulish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mulish¹

First recorded in 1745–55; mule ¹ + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

“We should get back on the road to Abuelita’s house. And this is the fastest and safest way to get there. So stop being so mulish and get up here. Come on, everybody up.”

From Literature

Freud’s preoccupations no longer look eccentric or mulish.

From Washington Post

This grass-colored liqueur, with its bracing, vegetal taste and mulish kick, called Chartreuse after the Carthusian brothers of your order, is the closest thing you’ll ever experience to a magic potion.

From Seattle Times

He seems addled and hapless, and may be cognitively challenged, but he’s also mulish, incoherent, exasperating and cunning.

From New York Times

He paid a price for his mulish views.

From New York Times