soy

noun

ˈsȯi 

1

or chiefly British soya

ˈsȯi-ə 

: soybean

Products that contain isoflavones—and are commonly called phytoestrogens—come from plants and legumes (such as soy), and show promise for decreasing hot flashes and may improve cholesterol.

—Michelle P. Warren

Producing meat in this ever-more crowded world requires creating new pastures and planting more land for imported feeds, particularly soy, instead of relying on local grazing.

—The New York Times

—often used before another noun

soy milk

soy protein

a soy latte [=a latte made with soy milk]

2

: a food product made from or containing soy beans: such as

a

: soy sauce

Roy Choi, the Los Angeles restaurateur, advises sneaking a pat of butter and a splash of soy into instant ramen.

—Sam Sifton

b

: tofu, bean curd

In this narrow slice of a restaurant, house-made fried tofu in three flavors … draws crowds for good reason: The shop renders soy into cubes as light and fluffy as scrambled eggs.

—Washingtonian

Examples of soy in a Sentence

His book promotes the health benefits of soy.

The recipe calls for two tablespoons of soy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sports Research Evening Primrose Oil This evening primrose oil from Sports Research is a vegetarian libido supplement that doesn't contain any GMOs, gluten or soy. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

In spring training, Witt told me his two favorite sushi rolls: The Roja Roll ($12) consists of bigeye tuna, yellowtail, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, soy paper and sriracha. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

This may be caused by a sensitivity to an ingredient in the powder, like dairy, soy, or gluten. —Donavyn Coffey, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

The Boca Burger features a colorless, warmed soy patty reminiscent of the veggie burgers from the ’80s and ’90s. —Danny Palumbo / The Takeout, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024

Made of soy wax, the cube candles have a floral scent. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024

These include pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, soy (tofu or edamame), and black beans. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024

But Take Note This formula contains soy, so is not a safe option for infants with a soy allergy. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

Federal law dictates that the nine leading allergens, including peanuts and soy, be listed on food packaging when relevant. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōyu

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing soy

• soy milk
• soy sauce

Kids Definition

soy

noun

ˈsȯi 

1

: soy sauce

2

: soybean