Poople #144 Answer: MULE to POOP
January 5, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
Reveal one hint at a time to keep the challenge, or jump straight to the full shortest path from MULE to POOP.
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
3 distinct shortest path(s) from MULE to POOP.
MULE connects to 8 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Easier than #143 (GIGA, par 6) by 1 move(s). #143 GIGA
How the routes branch
Right after MULE, 2 different words keep the route just as short: MOLE, MULL. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
Today's MULE puzzle offers two distinct paths to POOP right from the start. Both MOLE and MULL lead to a quick solution.
Bridge words
- MULE(noun)
- offspring of a donkey and a horse, typically sterile
- MOLE(noun)
- A small, burrowing mammal with tiny eyes and soft fur.
- POLE(noun)
- A long slender rounded length of wood or metal.
- POME(noun)
- A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
- POMP(noun)
- Grand and showy ceremonial display.
First moves from MULE
MULE has 8 legal first moves. 2 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 6 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 7 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
Today's puzzle is live
A new Poople puzzle unlocks daily, always at 08:00 UTC.
Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #144 answer?
The #144 start word is MULE. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: MULE -> MOLE -> POLE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
How many shortest solutions are there for today's MULE puzzle?
There are 3 shortest solutions for today’s puzzle. All of them reach POOP in 5 moves, which is the par score. Two of these solutions begin with MOLE, and one begins with MULL.
Are there any first moves from MULE that lead to a dead end?
No, there are no dead ends from MULE. Every legal word in Poople can eventually reach POOP. While moves like MALE, MILE, MUSE, MUTE, RULE, and YULE may cost extra turns, they do not prevent you from reaching the goal.
What is the most efficient first move from MULE?
The most efficient first moves from MULE are MOLE and MULL. Both of these words lead to POOP in 4 additional moves, for a total of 5 moves. Other first moves like MALE and MILE will cost one extra move to reach POOP.
What is the meaning of the word POME in one of the solutions?
POME refers to a fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear. This word appears in one of the shortest solutions: MULE -> MOLE -> POLE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP. It helps bridge the path from POLE to POMP.