Words Starting with Y

Browse word origins and etymology

Y

The twenty-fifth letter of the English alphabet, representing vowel or consonant sounds depending on its position.

Yōfuku

A Japanese term for Western-style clothing, especially as distinguished from traditional Japanese dress.

Yōgaku

A Japanese term for Western music, especially music from Europe and North America.

Yōkai

A supernatural being, spirit, monster, or uncanny phenomenon in Japanese folklore.

Yōsei

A fairy or supernatural spirit in Japanese folklore and modern fantasy.

Yūgen

A Japanese aesthetic of profound, subtle mystery and the beauty of what cannot be fully expressed.

Yūhannā

Yūhannā is an Arabic and Syriac form of the biblical name John, used especially in Christian and Islamic contexts.

Yūrei

In Japanese folklore, a ghost or restless spirit, especially one unable to move on because of an unresolved attachment.

Yacapilli

Yacapilli is a Nahuatl divine name traditionally interpreted as “Nose Lord,” associated in some sources with merchants and travel.

Yacatecuhtli

In Aztec religion, a deity associated with merchants, travelers, and the guiding of commerce and journeys.

Yacatl

A Nahuatl word meaning “nose,” and by extension the point or tip of something.

Yacatzontli

A deity in Aztec religion associated with merchants, travel, and roads.

Yacht

A recreational or racing boat, especially a large one.

Yack

To talk continuously, especially in a trivial or irritating way.

Yada

An informal expression referring dismissively to further talk, details, or repetition, usually in the phrase “yada yada.”

Yaguar

An obsolete or variant English spelling of jaguar, the large spotted cat of the Americas.

Yaguareté

A jaguar, especially the jaguar of South America.

Yaguarundi

A small, slender wild cat native to the Americas, related to the puma.

Yah

An abbreviation of the name of God in Hebrew, often used in religious contexts.

Yahoo

An exuberant shout, or a rude, uncouth person.