noun

mullein

MUL-in

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Mullein (noun) means a plant of the genus Verbascum, most kinds of which have yellow flowers. Example: “A tall mullein had seeded itself beside the garden wall.”

noun

A plant of the genus Verbascum, most kinds of which have yellow flowers.

"A tall mullein had seeded itself beside the garden wall."

"Mullein grows wild across parts of Europe and Asia."

"The gardener let a few mulleins stand at the back of the border."

How to use mullein

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tall plant with downy leaves and, usually, yellow flowers.

When to use it

It is a botanical word, mostly used by gardeners and naturalists.

Memory tip

It is usually uncountable, but mulleins works when you mean several plants.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

common mullein mullein leaves mullein flowers wild mullein

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “mullein” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A tall _____ had seeded itself beside the garden wall.

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English moleyne, from Anglo-Norman moleine. Its earlier source is uncertain: it may be a Celtic word related to yellow, or it may come from Latin mollis, meaning soft, referring to the downy leaves.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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Aaron's rod feltwort flannel leaf velvet plant

Rhymes for mullein

vein rein bein Hein Fein Mein stein Klein herein protein therein wherein

See all rhymes for mullein →

Frequently asked questions

What is a mullein?

A mullein is a plant of the genus Verbascum, and most of its species have yellow flowers.

Where does mullein grow?

The species called mulleins are found in Europe and Asia.

Why is it called mullein?

The origin is uncertain. It may come from a Celtic word for yellow or from a Latin word meaning soft, because of the downy leaves.

What is the meaning of mullein?

"mullein" (noun) means a plant of the genus Verbascum, most kinds of which have yellow flowers.