English Reference
verb · noun

mingle

v. · n.
US /ˈmɪŋɡəɫ/ UK /mˈɪŋɡəl/ min·gle UK spelling mingled, mingles, mingling

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to move around at a party or event and talk to many different people.

    v.to move among others in a social setting and engage in conversation with multiple individuals.

    Simple

    The host encouraged everyone to mingle and meet someone new at the party.

    In context

    After the keynote speech, attendees were invited to the lobby to mingle and discuss potential collaborations over coffee.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb in social contexts.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to mix or combine two or more things together.

    v.to combine or intermix different substances or qualities while they remain somewhat distinguishable.

    Simple

    The smells of fresh bread and coffee mingle in the morning air.

    In context

    In his latest novel, the author manages to mingle historical facts with vivid fictional elements to create a compelling narrative.

    Usage

    Can be used transitively with an object or intransitively when things mix naturally.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.an informal event where people can meet and talk to each other.

    n.an informal social event designed to facilitate networking or meeting new people.

    Simple

    The office is holding a holiday mingle for the staff this Friday.

    In context

    The university organized a graduate student mingle to help new researchers find peers in different departments.

    Usage

    Commonly used in professional or community contexts to describe a specific type of event.


From earlier mingil, mengle, from Middle English menglen, equivalent to ming + -le. Cognate with Dutch mengelen (“to mingle, mix”), German mengen (“to mingle, mix”). More at ming.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English menglen
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated