mutton

noun

mut·​ton ˈmə-tᵊn How to pronounce mutton (audio)
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
muttony
ˈmə-tᵊn-ē How to pronounce mutton (audio)
ˈmət-nē
adjective

Examples of mutton in a Sentence

a meal of mutton and potatoes
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.
Dominic Sessa, the star of the film, sported his Bourdain-esque curls (absent were the accompanying mutton chops) and swirled a glass of red wine while tucked into one of the massive banquettes. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 An enormous double mutton chop, rubbed with a sweet and aromatic spice blend, and split lengthwise like a scientific specimen to display its rosy pink interior, is inspired by Chinese cumin lamb. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026 Beef, pork, lamb, mutton and other meats are cooked using an open fire or grill. — Zuri Primos june 17, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026 Velvet crispy shrimp, goat chops and mutton karahi might land on the table too. — Aviva Bechky, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutton

Word History

Etymology

Middle English motoun, mutton, sheep, from Anglo-French mutun ram, sheep, mutton, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish molt wether

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutton was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing mutton

Rhymes for mutton

See All Rhymes for mutton

Browse Nearby Words

mutteringly
mutton
muttonbird
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Cite this Entry

“Mutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutton. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mutton

noun
mut·​ton ˈmət-ᵊn How to pronounce mutton (audio)
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
Etymology

from French mouton "sheep"

More from Merriam-Webster on mutton

Nglish: Translation of mutton for Spanish Speakers

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