Mute means silent or unable to speak. When you mute your computer during an online class, you turn off the microphone so others can't hear you. A TV remote's mute button silences the sound instantly.

The word describes both temporary silence and permanent inability to speak. A person born without the ability to speak may be described as mute, though many prefer more specific terms like “nonverbal” or descriptions of their particular condition. In modern usage, we're more likely to encounter mute as a verb: you might mute notifications on your phone during a movie, or mute yourself during a video call when your dog starts barking.

Mute can also describe colors that are soft and understated rather than bright and bold. A room painted in muted blues and grays feels calm and subdued, while one with vivid reds and yellows feels energetic.

When something mutes a sound or feeling, it softens or dampens it. Heavy snow mutes the sounds of traffic outside. A thick carpet mutes footsteps. The word suggests something present but quieted, like turning down the volume rather than switching something off completely.