yak

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈyak How to pronounce yak (audio)
plural yaks also yak
Synonyms of yaknext
: a large long-haired wild or domesticated ox (Bos grunniens synonym Poephagus grunniens) of Tibet and adjacent elevated parts of central Asia

Illustration of yak

Illustration of yak
  • 1yak

yak

2 of 4

noun (2)

ˈyäk How to pronounce yak (audio) ˈyak How to pronounce yak (audio)

less common variant of yuk entry 1

1
slang : laugh
did it just for yuks
2
slang : joke, gag

yak

3 of 4

verb

ˈyak How to pronounce yak (audio)
variants or less commonly yack
yakked also yacked; yakking also yacking

intransitive verb

: to talk persistently : chatter

yak

4 of 4

noun (3)

variants or less commonly yack
: persistent or voluble talk

Examples of yak in a Sentence

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.
Noun
According to the research, yak X lived near Denisova Cave at the same time as some early humans. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026 Pick up some new eye shadow and a side of yak steak from Star’s Yak Ranch. — Irene Middleman Thomas, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
But the core of the appeal of fantasy sports is the joy of tracking each week’s games and yakking about it with sports-crazy friends, Berry emphasizes. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026 But why not enjoy yakking about it? — Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for yak

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Tibetan (Lhasa dialect) yaʔ (spelled gyag)

Verb

probably imitative

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1795, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yak was in 1795

Rhymes for yak

See All Rhymes for yak

Browse Nearby Words

Yajur Veda
yak
Yaka
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yak. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

yak

noun
ˈyak
plural yaks also yak
: a large long-haired wild or domesticated ox of Tibet and nearby elevated parts of central Asia

More from Merriam-Webster on yak

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for yak

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yak

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