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

Recent Examples on the Web

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 Fey's darker yin perfectly complemented by Poehler's upbeat yang— only deepened with the Globes. — Mary Kaye Schilling, Town & Country, "Tina Fey Goes To War," 1 Mar. 2016 Not a bro hug, but a full chest-to-chest embrace, Kelli’s Ray-Bans against Buckley’s yin-yang earlobe plugs. — Washington Post, "In the Army and the Klan, he hated Muslims.," 5 June 2018 Joining him is his younger daughter, Helen, an outspoken Sony music executive and the soulful yin to Vanessa’s intellectual yang. — Sam Sacks, WSJ, "Fiction: The Monologues of Friends and Strangers," 1 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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Last Updated

3 Nov 2018

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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

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