1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To think about something carefully and at length, especially before making a decision.
"She mulled over the job offer for a week before finally saying yes."
“
I've been mulling it over for a few days.
separable
mull over
B2 neutral separable transitive
To think carefully and at length about a decision, idea, or problem.
In plain English
To think slowly and carefully about something important before deciding.
What does "mull over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Mull' originally meant to grind or mix (as in spiced wine) — the sense of slowly working something over is retained metaphorically.
Actually means
To think slowly and carefully about something important before deciding.
Usage tip
Common in both British and American English. Implies a leisurely, thoughtful process rather than urgent deliberation. Often followed by 'it' as in 'mull it over.' Can be separated: 'Let me mull this over.'
Words that pair with "mull over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
decision offer idea proposal question options
How to conjugate "mull over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mull over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mulls over
he/she/it
Past simple
mulled over
yesterday
Past participle
mulled over
have + pp
-ing form
mulling over
continuous
Hear "mull over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "mull over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "mull over"
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