det
yon
yon
Yon (det) means That, over there; used to point out something visible but at a distance. Example: “See yon hill in the distance? That's where we're headed.”
det
1
That, over there; used to point out something visible but at a distance.
"See yon hill in the distance? That's where we're headed."
"He went to climb yon hill."
""Do my eyes deceive me, or is yon object a Puddin'?" he cried."
— Norman Lindsay, The Magic Pudding (1918)
adv
1
Over there; in that direction.
"The old barn stands yon, past the trees."
How to use yon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying "that" or "over there," pointing at something in view but far off.
When to use it
Archaic or dialectal; mostly seen in older literature, poetry, or regional speech today.
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See _____ hill in the distance? That's where we're headed.
Etymology
From Old English "geon," related to modern German "jener" ("that one").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for yon
See all rhymes for yon →Frequently asked questions
What does “yon” mean?
The word “yon” means that, over there; used to point out something visible but at a distance. In plain terms, an old-fashioned way of saying "that" or "over there," pointing at something in view but far off.
How do you pronounce “yon”?
“Yon” is pronounced yon (/jɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “yon” in a sentence?
Here is “yon” used in a sentence: “See yon hill in the distance? That's where we're headed.”
What part of speech is “yon”?
Depending on how it is used, “yon” can be a det and an adverb.
Where does the word “yon” come from?
The word “yon” comes from Old English. From Old English "geon," related to modern German "jener" ("that one").
How many meanings does “yon” have?
“Yon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: that, over there; used to point out something visible but at a distance.
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