yolk

noun

ˈyōk 

ˈyelk

(in cultivated speech, especially Southern US), 

also ˈyōlk, 

ˈyȯlk, 

ˈyälk, 

ˈyəlk

variants or less commonly yoke

ˈyōk 

1

a

: the yellow spheroidal mass of stored food that forms the inner portion of the egg of a bird or reptile and is surrounded by the white see egg illustration

b

archaic : the whole contents of an animal ovum consisting of a protoplasmic formative portion and an inert nutritive portion

c

: material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol

2

[akin to Middle Dutch ieke yolk (of wool), Old English ēowu ewe] : oily material in unprocessed sheep wool consisting of wool fat, suint, and debris

yolked

ˈyōkt 

ˈyelkt

(in cultivated speech, especially Southern US), 

also ˈyōlkt, 

ˈyȯlkt, 

ˈyälkt, 

ˈyəlkt

adjective

yolky

ˈyō-kē 

ˈyel-

(in cultivated speech, especially Southern US), 

also ˈyōl-, 

ˈyȯl-, 

ˈyäl-, 

ˈyəl-

adjective

Examples of yolk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the heatproof bowl, whisk together the peach puree, lemon juice, sugar, eggs and egg yolks until well combined. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Most of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in eggs are found in the yolk. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Hanoi’s famous egg coffee—made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a rich, velvety foam—was born during a time when fresh milk was scarce. — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026

Recipe information Mix 2 large eggs, beaten to blend, 3 large egg yolks, beaten to blend, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English yolke, from Old English geoloca, from geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing yolk

• yolk sac
• yolk stalk

Rhymes for yolk

• bloke
• boeck
• broke
• choke
• cloak
• cloke
• croak
• folk
• hoke
• joke
• moke
• oak

Kids Definition

yolk

noun

ˈyōk 

ˈyelk

also ˈyōlk

1

: the yellow inner mass of stored food in the egg of a bird or reptile

2

: the material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food material to the developing embryo

Medical Definition

yolk

noun

ˈyōk 

: material stored in an ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol