yolk

noun \ ˈyōk , ˈyelk (in cultivated speech especially Southern US) also ˈyōlk , ˈyȯlk , ˈyälk , ˈyəlk \

variants: or less commonly yoke play \ˈyōk\

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of yolk

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

[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

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yolked

play \ˈyōkt, ˈyelkt, (in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) also ˈyōlkt, ˈyȯlkt, ˈyälkt, ˈyəlkt\ adjective

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yolky

play \ˈyō-kē, ˈyel-(in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) also ˈyōl-, ˈyȯl-, ˈyäl-, ˈyəl-\ adjective

See yolk defined for English-language learners

See yolk defined for kids

Recent Examples of yolk from the Web

As for the yolks that remain from the project, cook them gently in milk for a light, frozen custard-style of ice cream.

— jeanmarie brownson, chicagotribune.com, "When Eton mess gives you extra yolks, whip them up into ice cream," 10 July 2018
Hard-cook the whites, but leave the yolks jammy for a real textural treat.

— mallorie sullivan, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July food: Here are 9 last-minute recipes your guests will love," 3 July 2018
In a small bowl, mash the yolks and avocado with a fork until smooth.

— alysha witwicki, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What to bring? These side dishes are always welcome at a summer picnic," 29 June 2018
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks and sugar at medium-high speed until the mixture is light and starts to thicken, about 3 to 6 minutes.

— the editors at house beautiful, House Beautiful, "A Festive and Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert," 19 Nov. 2014
Drain well and let cool before peeling and cutting the eggs in half lengthwise, reserving the yolks.

— alysha witwicki, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What to bring? These side dishes are always welcome at a summer picnic," 29 June 2018
Crack the egg and the yolk ran thick through the golden broth.

— seamus mullen, Bon Appetit, "Make Poached Eggs in Chicken Stock—Just Trust Us," 25 June 2018
Among the proliferating roadside enterprises between Oxford and South Paris, the egg-yolk yellow Maine Bookhouse stands out from the crowd.

— patricia harris and david lyon, BostonGlobe.com, "Goin’ up the country: The rustic appeal of Maine’s Route 26," 21 June 2018
Transfer the ramekins to the oven and bake for 23 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully cooked but the yolks are still runny.

— sally singer, Vogue, "Hollywood’s Favorite Detox Resort Launches a Delicious Vegetarian Cookbook," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yolk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of yolk

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

YOLK Defined for English Language Learners

yolk

noun

Definition of yolk for English Language Learners

: the yellow part in the center of an egg

YOLK Defined for Kids

yolk

noun \ ˈyōk \

Definition of yolk for Students

: the yellow inner part of the egg of a bird or reptile containing stored food material for the developing young

History for yolk

The word yolk goes back to Old English geoloca (a spelling that seems less strange when you know that ge- in Old English could stand for the sound /y/). Geoloca, in turn, is a derivative of geolu, the ancestor of our word yellow. This makes perfect sense given the color of a yolk, but changes in pronunciation over the course of centuries no longer make the relationship of the words obvious.