mullen

word

/ˈməɫən/
MUH-luhn
/mˈʌlən/
MUH-luhn

Definition

A variant spelling of 'mullein', a tall herbaceous plant with fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers, used in traditional medicine. Also a common Irish/English surname.

Usage & Nuances

As a plant name, the standard spelling is 'mullein' (Verbascum). The spelling 'mullen' appears in older texts and as a surname. As a surname, it's Irish in origin (from Ó Maoláin). Common in American English as both a plant name variant and family name.

Example Sentences

Detective Mullen was assigned to the case last week.

basic

Mullen tea is a traditional remedy for coughs.

basic

My grandmother always kept dried mullen leaves in her medicine cabinet for brewing tea.

natural

Coach Mullen turned the struggling team around in just two seasons.

natural

Wild mullen stalks were once dipped in tallow and used as torches by early settlers.

natural

The mullen plant grows tall along roadsides and in fields.

basic