plural Yankees
1
: a person born or living in the U.S.
—often used to show disapproval or as an insult
The protesters held signs that said "Yankee Go Home."
2
US
a
: a person born or living in the northern U.S.
a Southern girl who married a Yankee
—sometimes used by people in the southern U.S. to show disapproval or as an insult
b
: a person from New England
a New England Yankee
Yankee frugality [=the frugality that is traditionally associated with people from New England]
3
: a soldier who fought on the side of the northern states during the American Civil War
Cite this Entry
“Yankee.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/Yankee. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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