# mullet

/ˈməɫət/ (US) · /mˈʌlɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mullet
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a hairstyle

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a hairstyle where the hair is cut short on the top and sides but left long at the back.

For teachers: a hairstyle in which the hair is cropped short at the front and sides but allowed to grow long at the nape of the neck.

- He decided to grow a mullet for the 80s-themed party.
- The mullet saw a surprising resurgence in popular culture, transitioning from a dated relic of the 1980s to a modern fashion statement.

### 2. a type of fish

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a common fish that people often eat, found in many parts of the world.

For teachers: any of several families of edible ray-finned fish, most notably the Mugilidae (grey mullets) and Mullidae (red mullets).

- The restaurant served grilled mullet with a side of fresh lemon.
- Commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico often target striped mullet during their autumn migration.

## Examples

- He decided to grow his hair into a mullet.
- The local fish market sells fresh mullet every Saturday morning during the summer season.
- While the mullet remains a staple of coastal cuisine, its association with the 'businessman' hairstyle has made it a subject of both fashion and social commentary in urban culture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.