1
: combining characteristics of more than one kind
specifically : combining features of two or more systems of government
a mixed constitution
2
: made up of or involving individuals or items of more than one kind: such as
a
: made up of or involving persons differing in race (see race entry 1 sense 1a), national origin, religion, or class
a mixed audience
a mixed family/household
b
: made up of or involving individuals of more than one sex
mixed company
3
: including or accompanied by inconsistent, incompatible, or contrary elements
mixed emotions
received mixed reviews
a mixed blessing
4
a
: deriving from two or more races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
people of mixed race
her mixed ancestry
b
: deriving from two or more breeds
a stallion of mixed blood

Examples of mixed in a Sentence

a can of mixed nuts We ate salads of mixed greens. They live in a mixed neighborhood. She's of mixed African and European ancestry.
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.
Jeff Rueter: The opening weekend gave a mixed first impression, with some stale atmospheres and Bayern’s 10-0 pasting of poor Auckland City giving little reason for neutrals to buy into the tournament. The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Given the affordable housing crisis, Vienna’s social housing model has been given enormous media exposure and has been studied by numerous advocacy groups with mixed views. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 Wall Street analysts are mixed on whether the S&P 500 can grind higher, or whether its return to record highs means there’s more downside to come. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 She's also competed internationally, including placing ninth and 10th in the mixed duet finals at the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Jordan Greene, People.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mixed

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mixte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mixed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mixed. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
a
: made of mingled or blended elements
mixed nuts
b
: combining features of more than one kind
a mixed economy
2
a
: involving persons differing in race, national origin, or religion
a mixed marriage
b
: made up of or involving individuals of both sexes
mixed company
a mixed chorus
3
: including or accompanied by different or opposing elements
a mixed blessing
a mixed reaction
4
: resulting from the crossing or breeding of individuals of different races or breeds
a stallion of mixed blood

Medical Definition

1
: combining features or exhibiting symptoms of more than one condition or disease
a mixed tumor
2
: producing more than one kind of secretion
mixed salivary glands

More from Merriam-Webster on mixed

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