yinz

pronoun

ˈyinz

variants or less commonly yunz

ˈyənz

or yins

ˈyinz

western Pennsylvania

: you

—usually used to address two or more people compare yinzer

Word History

Etymology

contraction of you ones

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of yinz was in 1810

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Yinz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yinz. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Entry added

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

yinz

pronoun

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

libertine

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes