name
Yamato
yah-MAH-toh
Yamato (name) means a historical name for Japan, especially referring to the ancient Yamato court that once ruled the country. Example: “Historians trace the unification of Japan back to the Yamato period.”
name
1
A historical name for Japan, especially referring to the ancient Yamato court that once ruled the country.
"Historians trace the unification of Japan back to the Yamato period."
noun
1
A member of the dominant Japanese ethnic group, as distinct from groups such as the Ainu or Ryukyuan peoples.
"The census distinguishes Yamato Japanese from other ethnic groups in the country."
2
One of a class of massive Japanese battleships built during the Second World War, including the lead ship Yamato.
"The Yamato was one of the largest battleships ever built."
How to use Yamato
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA name tied to ancient and ethnic Japan, and also famous WWII-era battleships.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Yamatos
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Historians trace the unification of Japan back to the _____ period.
Etymology
From Japanese 大和 (Yamato), likely connected to 山 (yama, "mountain"), reflecting the mountainous province where the ancient Japanese state first formed.
Rhymes for Yamato
See all rhymes for Yamato →Frequently asked questions
What does “Yamato” mean?
The word “Yamato” means a historical name for Japan, especially referring to the ancient Yamato court that once ruled the country. In plain terms, a name tied to ancient and ethnic Japan, and also famous WWII-era battleships.
How do you pronounce “Yamato”?
“Yamato” is pronounced yah-MAH-toh (/jɑˈmɑtoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Yamato” in a sentence?
Here is “Yamato” used in a sentence: “Historians trace the unification of Japan back to the Yamato period.”
What part of speech is “Yamato”?
Depending on how it is used, “Yamato” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Yamato” come from?
The word “Yamato” comes from Japanese. From Japanese 大和 (Yamato), likely connected to 山 (yama, "mountain"), reflecting the mountainous province where the ancient Japanese state first formed.
How many meanings does “Yamato” have?
“Yamato” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a historical name for Japan, especially referring to the ancient Yamato court that once ruled the country.
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