yin

noun

\ ˈyin

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

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The scandal broke in June, when Chinese talk-show host Cui Yongyuan accused Ms. Fan of using a yin-yang contract to evade taxes. — Dominique Fong, WSJ, "Chinese Star Fan Bingbing Fined $70 Million for Tax Evasion," 3 Oct. 2018 The rock-solid rapport among Lisa and her colleagues, with Maci playing the joyous yin to Danyelle’s cynical yang, is the most convincing argument for female solidarity that this or any movie could muster. — Justin Chang, The Seattle Times, "‘Support the Girls’: Regina Hall calls the shots in terrific sports-bar comedy," 27 Aug. 2018 His calling cards: peaceful spaces where discussions flourish (such as this San Francisco living room, below) and evidence of his yin-yang backstory. — Hillary Brown, House Beautiful, "Dan Fink Takes a Scientific Approach to Peaceful Interiors," 19 Oct. 2015 Ibrahimovic, the Swedish yin to Schweinsteiger's yang, is the loud, boastful guy from the other side of the tracks who has won everything but a World Cup or Champions League crown. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. Bastian Schweinsteiger MLS match-up a rare meeting of soccer royalty," 14 Apr. 2018 That’s not true of U.S. corporate bonds, the yin to stocks’ yang. — Richard Barley, WSJ, "What the Stuttering Corporate Bond Market Means for Stocks," 9 July 2018 That’s the yin and Yoan of the second baseman’s defense. — Phil Thompson, chicagotribune.com, "Yoan Moncada asked to learn error of his ways — and he's not the only one," 29 June 2018 The power between red and black showcase the unique Japanese aesthetics and illustrate a yin-and-yang balance of stillness and movement. — San Francisco Chronicle, "Observed: Renegade crafters, art lovers and creatives converge," 17 May 2018 Cauliflower also gets a lift from a yin-and-yang approach — hot sauce and maple syrup. — Tim Smith, baltimoresun.com, "Mt. Washington Tavern maintains its appeal with vibrant food, lively spaces," 14 June 2018

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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The first known use of yin was in 1671

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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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