yarn

noun

ˈyärn How to pronounce yarn (audio)
Definition of yarnnext
1
as in tale
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally Grandpa likes to tell yarns about when he was young

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2
as in story
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel a ripping yarn about space travel and alien monsters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of yarn Its current manufacturing pitch says OneWeave can take a product from yarn to garment in 20 minutes, although that figure is a company claim and no comparative testing methodology is provided. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 At a time when the glossy profile feels hopelessly compromised, Rachel uses her deep knowledge of musicals, fashion, and old Hollywood to put meat on the bones of fame and fortune—and Rachel loves a good yarn. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yarn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yarn
  1. tale
  2. story
  3. novella
  4. narrative
Noun
  • The smart-mattress category Eight Sleep wants to escape just delivered a cautionary tale.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Betty Smith’s 1943 classic is a coming-of-age tale about a second-generation Irish-American girl named Francie who lives in Williamsburg with her family.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • Read More TopicsVenice Film Festival Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Still, state media have been highlighting stories about cafes and other businesses being forced to close for failing to enforce rules on clothing.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Nors is the author of the story collections Wild Swims and Karate Chop; four previous novels, including Mirror, Shoulder, Signal, a finalist for the Man Booker International Prize; and two novellas, collected in So Much for That Winter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Based on the first novella in Martha Wells’ book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients, played by Skarsgård.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of novella
Noun
  • Netanyahu is not on record as making that remark, but the slogan reflects a broader narrative promoted by Iranian hardliners, portraying women who do not wear the hijab as, at the very least, disloyal to their country.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • People hearing those stories—attorneys, reporters, healthcare workers or friends—may expect a clearer, linear narrative.
    — Michele Patterson Ford, Scientific American, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of narrative

Browse Nearby Words

yardsticks
yarn
yarns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yarn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yarn. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on yarn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yarn

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