verb
yank
YANGK
Yank (verb) means to pull something suddenly and forcefully. Example: “She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands.”
verb
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- yanks
- Past tense
- yanked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the stuck drawer open with both hands.
Etymology
Attested since 1822, coming from Scots yank; its origin beyond that is unknown.
Synonyms
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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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