verb

yank

YANGK

Yank (verb) means to pull something suddenly and forcefully. Example: “She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands.”

verb

To pull something suddenly and forcefully.

"She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands."

"He yanked the cord out of the wall in frustration."

noun

Informal (often outside the US), a term for an American, especially one from the northern states.

"The tour group had a couple of Yanks among the mostly British crowd."

How to use yank

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo give something a sharp, sudden pull, or (informally) a nickname for an American.

When to use it

"Yank" for an American is informal and can sound teasing or mildly derogatory depending on tone.

Common pairings

yank the cord yank someone's arm yank open

Word forms

yanked past tense, Yanks plural, yanks singular

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Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the stuck drawer open with both hands.

Etymology

Attested since 1822; from Scots yank. Unknown origin.

Synonyms

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jerk Yankee Northerner Yankee-Doodle

Related words

American friend hit throw bitch asshole idiot fool

Frequently asked questions

What does “yank” mean?

The word “yank” means to pull something suddenly and forcefully. In plain terms, to give something a sharp, sudden pull, or (informally) a nickname for an American.

How do you pronounce “yank”?

“Yank” is pronounced YANGK (/ˈjeɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).

How do you use “yank” in a sentence?

Here is “yank” used in a sentence: “She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands.”

What part of speech is “yank”?

Depending on how it is used, “yank” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “yank” have?

“Yank” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull something suddenly and forcefully.

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