Words Starting with "Y"

Yaqui is a proper noun referring to a Native American people of the Yaqui River region in Sonora, Mexico, or their language. It can also describe things related to the Yaqui people or their culture. In English contexts, it’s commonly used as an ethnonym and, less often, as an adjective describing things associated with Yaqui heritage.

Yarmouth is a proper noun typically referring to a town in England or a coastal locale in the United States. In pronunciation guides, it functions as a two-syllable place name with a distinctive vowel and consonant cluster at the start, often pronounced with a soft 'Y' onset and a silent or reduced second 'm' depending on the variant. Usage usually appears in geographic, historical, or travel contexts.

A yarmulke (also spelled yarmulke or yarmulka) is a small, brimless cap worn by Jewish men during prayer and in daily life as a sign of reverence and tradition. Pronounced with the vowel sounds and consonant cluster typical of English, it denotes a specific religious head covering and cultural identifier. The term is used in English-speaking contexts to refer to the skullcap itself, distinct from related terms for religious garments.

Yarn is a noun meaning a long, continuous strand of fiber used for knitting, weaving, or sewing. It can also refer to a story or tale, often told with embellishment. In everyday use, yarn typically denotes material fiber, while the storytelling sense appears in informal conversation or folklore.

Yarrow is a perennial herb (Achillea millefolium) known for its feathery leaves and clusters of small white to pink flowers. It has a long history in herbal medicine and folklore. In modern usage, it also refers to the plant’s common name, often found in garden and wild landscapes across temperate regions.

Yaser Abdel is a proper name, typically presented as a two-part Arabic-origin given name and surname. In many contexts it functions as a verb in error or joke usage, but standard usage treats it as a personal name. The term combines a given name (Yaser) with a family name (Abdel), often transliterated from Arabic; pronunciation emphasizes clear separation between the two proper nouns with Arabic phonetic cues.

Yasiel Puig is a Cuban-born Major League Baseball outfielder known for his dynamic playing style and distinctive, multi-syllabic name. The phrase refers to a specific person and is pronounced with emphasis on initial syllables, reflecting Spanish-influenced phonology while common Anglophone adaptation occurs in American media. Pronunciation challenges arise from the combination of Spanish vowels and consonants, and the surname’s “Puig” often causes mispronunciation for English speakers.

Yasmin is a female given name of Persian origin that has become common in many cultures. It is typically pronounced with two syllables, stressing the first, and is used as a personal identifier in everyday conversation, formal introductions, and professional settings. The name carries cultural and stylistic associations and can appear in literature and media as a recognizable, feminine proper noun.

Yasmine is a proper noun, a feminine given name of Arabic origin commonly used in English-speaking contexts. It is pronounced with two primary syllables and a final stress on the first: YA-smeen. The name often maps to Jasmine in various languages and can carry cultural or regional associations depending on usage. In many contexts, it functions as a personal name rather than a common noun.

Yass is a colloquial noun used to express enthusiastic approval or excitement, often in response to fashion, performance, or social moments. It conveys affirmation with gusto, sometimes extended for emphasis. In casual speech it can function as a standalone exclamation or as part of a larger phrase, capturing a sassy, celebratory vibe.

Yasuo is a proper noun used primarily as a given name of Japanese origin. It typically refers to a male individual and is adopted in various cultures due to media or personal preference. The name carries a soft, flowing sound when spoken in Japanese and often retains its original pronunciation when used in non-Japanese contexts, though local phonetic adaptation can occur.

Yates is primarily a surname used as a proper noun, often referring to a family name or place. In general usage, it may denote individuals (e.g., a specific person named Yates) or be encountered in historical or cultural contexts. The term has no common concrete meaning beyond its identity-bearing function in English.

Yavapai is a proper noun referring to a Native American people of the southwestern United States, or their language. In practice, the term denotes a culturally distinct group primarily associated with central Arizona. As a loanword used in anthropology, history, and regional reference, its pronunciation should aim for respect and accuracy to avoid misidentification.

Yaw is a noun referring to a tendency of a vehicle or object to rotate about a vertical axis, or, in nautical terms, a turn or deviation from a straight course. It can also describe the motion of turning the nose of a ship or aircraft left or right relative to its forward direction. The term is technical, often used in engineering, aviation, or maritime contexts, to discuss heading changes independent of tilt or roll.

Yawn is a facial gesture produced by opening the mouth wide and inhaling deeply through the mouth, often accompanied by a relaxed expression and a slow, stretching breath. In everyday use, it also denotes a feeling of boredom or fatigue that makes one feel inclined to yawn. As a noun, it can describe the act itself or the yawning sound.

Yawning (noun) refers to the act or instance of opening one’s mouth wide and inhaling deeply due to tiredness, boredom, or the body’s need to cool the brain. It can also describe a wide opening or gap, such as a yawning crevasse. In everyday use, it often signals fatigue or exasperation and is sometimes used metaphorically to indicate a large, obvious space or gap.

Yay is an interjection used to express happiness, triumph, or agreement. It conveys excitement in a brief, emphatic way and often appears in celebratory or supportive contexts. Pronounced with a high front vowel followed by a bright, clipped ending, it functions as a simple exclamation rather than a multi-syllable word in most dialects.

Yazidi is a noun referring to a member of the Yazidi faith, a minority ethno-religious group primarily in northern Iraq. The term denotes identity, culture, and religious tradition, including unique beliefs and practices. When you mention a Yazidi, you’re referring to a person who follows Yazidism, a religion with ancient Mesopotamian and Near Eastern influences.

Ye is an archaic second-person plural or singular pronoun used historically in English, often appearing in religious or literary contexts. It also appears as a surname or in dialectal phrases. In modern text, it’s primarily encountered in historical writing or stylized speech, and its pronunciation is a simple /jiː/ (like “yee”). The term can function as a pronoun, interjection, or proper noun depending on context.

Yea is a verb meaning to indicate agreement or assent in informal speech, or a noun form used as an archaic or dialectal affirmative. It functions as a concise affirmative response akin to yes, often carrying a slightly emphatic or jocular tone. In historical texts, yea also appears as an emphatic particle or conjunction indicating agreement or consent.

Yeah is an informal affirmative response or agreement, often used as a standalone reaction or as a casual acknowledgment within conversation. It can function as a noun in some slang contexts meaning a type of agreement or assent, and as a vocative in certain dialects. In everyday speech, it carries relaxed, nonchalant tone and variable vowel duration depending on emphasis and region.

Yearn is a verb meaning to have a strong, persistent desire or longing for something. It conveys a deep inward craving or wistful longing, often with a sense of incompleteness until the desired outcome is achieved. The word emphasizes emotional intensity rather than a casual wish.

Yearning is a deep, enduring longing or desire for something. It denotes a powerful emotional pull that persists over time, often mingled with wistfulness or nostalgia. The word emphasizes intensity and persistence rather than fleeting want, capturing a nuanced ache for what is missing or hoped for.

A common phrase used to indicate a person’s age, typically spoken as two words: “years” and “old.” In natural speech, it often blends with surrounding sounds and can vary in elision or vowel length depending on context and accent. It’s an essential, everyday expression in informal and formal communication alike when giving or confirming age.