Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×
1

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

illustration of yak

Origin and Etymology of yak

Tibetan (Lhasa dialect) yaʔ (spelled gyag)

Other Mammals Terms

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

2

yak

noun \ ˈyäk , ˈyak \

less common variant of

1 slang : laugh
  • did it just for yuks
2 slang : joke, gag
3

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

4

yak

noun
variants: or less commonly yack

Definition of yak

: persistent or voluble talk

First Known Use of yak

1950

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

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

  1. 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 hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

meritorious

play

deserving of honor or esteem

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

yak

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games