yin

noun

\ ˈyin

How to pronounce yin (audio)

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Definition of yin

: the feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is exhibited in darkness, cold, or wetness and that combines with yang to produce all that comes to be

Examples of yin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Anderson remembered how abundant the love between the Matsons felt, Arik the tall, muscular, doting husband and father, and Megan the sarcastic blue-eyed spitfire, her yin to his yang. — Star Tribune, "Fighting to live again: Shot in the head, Waseca cop endures grueling year of healing," 10 Jan. 2021 Level’s hazy comes in a black and gray can and represents the yin – or dark half of the ancient Chinese concept – while Old Town’s clear comes in reverse -- white and gray, representing the light half of the duality. — oregonlive, "Level Beer, Old Town Brewing can a new idea: a clear and a hazy from same IPA recipe," 4 Dec. 2020 In some ways, Bluntman is the yang to Topher’s yin. — Washington Post, "Meet Topher, the rapper and Air Force vet who’s become a top conservative TikTok star," 25 Oct. 2020 Try it at home: Fresca Original Citrus Sparkling Soda 6-pack, $4, instacart.com Kalimotxo The yang to the tinto de verano’s yin is a kalimotxo. — Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, "7 Spanish Drinks You Can Make at Home," 14 May 2020 That’s the side of Muncy that Bumgarner tapped into, an occasional competitive edge that has become the perfect yin to Muncy’s otherwise composed yang. — Jack Harris, latimes.com, "Dodgers slugger Max Muncy is known for his mild side," 20 June 2019 Even with quality-of-life updates and console-friendly tweaks over the years, PUBG has always been the slow-and-realistic yin to Apex Legends and Fortnite's yang. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Stadia’s latest woe: Its PUBG port is overrun with official, crappy bots [Updated]," 29 Apr. 2020 Combined, their yin-yang dynamic propels the narrative momentum and is absolutely crucial to the emotional and action-packed denouement. — Brian Truitt, Detroit Free Press, "Pixar magic moves ‘Onward’ upward," 5 Mar. 2020 The calming yin to coffee’s battery acid-like yang, tea has long taken the second spot as people’s caffeinated hot beverage of choice — but no longer does that seem to be the case. — Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, "13 Loose Leaf Teas To Try— & Everything Else You To Brew A Soothing Cup," 14 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

2 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Yin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yin. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for yin

yin

noun

English Language Learners Definition of yin

in Chinese philosophy : one of the two forces that together form everything that exists : the female principle of the universe that is considered dark and passive and is associated with earth

See the full definition for yin in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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