yo-yo

noun

ˈyō-(ˌ)yō 

plural yo-yos

1

: a thick grooved double disk with a string attached to its center axle that is made to fall and rise to the hand by unwinding and rewinding on the string

2

: a condition or situation marked by regular fluctuations from one extreme to another

3

: a stupid or foolish person

Synonyms of yo-yo

• fool
• lunatic
• goose
• maniac
• nut
• idiot
• moron

Examples of yo-yo in a Sentence

some yo-yo cut the electricity off while I still had unsaved data

those yo-yos who insist upon using their cell phones while speeding down the highway

Recent Examples on the Web

The yo-yo movements also hit the bond market Thursday, as Treasury yields jumped in the morning with the price of oil and then eased back. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Russell and Hamilton swapped the lead several times on the first few laps, the two taking turns like a yo-yo leading the early race. —ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026

In the South, though, our yo-yo-ing weather might give way to a sense of false spring, encouraging these little seeds to burst forth before the time is right—or not at all. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026

Food insecurity, yo-yo dieting and eating disorders have long plagued our communities. —Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Ilocano yóyo, or a cognate word in a language of the Philippines

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for yo-yo

• toyo

Kids Definition

yo-yo

noun

ˈyō-ˌyō

plural yo-yos

1

: a thick divided disk that is made to fall and rise to the hand by unwinding and rewinding on a string

2

: fool entry 1 sense 1