yak

noun \ ˈyak \

Definition of yak

plural yaks also yak

: a large long-haired wild or domesticated ox (Bos grunniens synonym B. mutus) of Tibet and adjacent elevated parts of central Asia

Illustration of yak

Origin and Etymology of yak

Tibetan (Lhasa dialect) yaʔ (spelled gyag)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1795

See Words from the same year

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

yak

noun \ ˈyäk , ˈyak \

less common variant of ¹yuk

1 slang : laugh

did it just for yuks

2 slang : joke, gag

yak

verb \ ˈyak \

variants: or less commonly yack

Definition of yak

yakked also yacked; yakking also yacking

intransitive verb

: to talk persistently : chatter

See yak defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of yak

probably imitative

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1949

See Words from the same year

yak

noun

variants: or less commonly yack

Definition of yak

: persistent or voluble talk

First Known Use of yak

1950

YAK Defined for English Language Learners

yak

verb

Definition of yak for English Language Learners

: to talk in a loud way often for a long time

YAK Defined for Kids

yak

noun \ ˈyak \

Definition of yak for Students

: a wild or domestic ox of the uplands of central Asia that has very long hair

Learn More about yak

See words that rhyme with yak Spanish Central: Translation of yak Nglish: Translation of yak for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yak

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up yak? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

yak

Definition of yak

Illustration of yak

Origin and Etymology of yak

Other Mammals Terms

yak

less common variant of 1yuk

yak

Definition of yak

Origin and Etymology of yak

yak

Definition of yak

First Known Use of yak

YAK Defined for English Language Learners

yak

Definition of yak for English Language Learners

YAK Defined for Kids

yak

Definition of yak for Students

Learn More about yak

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

less common variant of ¹yuk