mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: directed by each toward the other or the others
mutual affection
b
: having the same feelings one for the other
they had long been mutual enemies
c
: shared in common
enjoying their mutual hobby
d
: joint
to their mutual advantage
2
: characterized by intimacy
mutual contacts
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage. The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding. countries relying on mutual support during difficult times our mutual hobby of car racing It was a mutual effort. We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.
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.
This encourages peer-to-peer recognition, fostering a culture of mutual respect. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Plummer also claimed that Pound contacted their mutual landscaper to remove and dispose of his mother's items following her death. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024 Clinical psychologist Allison Briscoe-Smith says this kind of mutual respect is critical to engaging with difference. Rachel Carlson, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024 Standing on their decades of experience and mutual respect for one another in their respective and cross-over lanes, both hosts set out to expand their territory with intent. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mutual 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mutual

Cite this Entry

“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence casesL. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriageLouisiana Civil Code
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mutual

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