yolk

noun

ˈyōk How to pronounce yolk (audio)
(in cultivated speech especially Southern US) ˈyelk,
 also  ˈyōlk,
ˈyȯlk,
ˈyälk,
ˈyəlk
variants or less commonly yoke
1
a
: the yellow spheroidal mass of stored food that forms the inner portion of the egg of a bird or reptile and is surrounded by the white see egg illustration
b
archaic : the whole contents of an animal ovum consisting of a protoplasmic formative portion and an inert nutritive portion
c
: material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol
2
[akin to Middle Dutch ieke yolk (of wool), Old English ēowu ewe] : oily material in unprocessed sheep wool consisting of wool fat, suint, and debris
yolked
ˈyōkt How to pronounce yolk (audio)
ˈyelkt
 (in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) 
 also  ˈyōlkt
ˈyȯlkt
ˈyälkt
ˈyəlkt
adjective
yolky
ˈyō-kē How to pronounce yolk (audio)
(in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) ˈyel-
 also  ˈyōl-
ˈyȯl-
ˈyäl-
ˈyəl-
adjective

Examples of yolk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Finding a double yolk egg: According to Pete & Gary’s, the odds of finding an egg with two yolks is every 1 in 1,000. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 Yes, that means baby A tried to split and become identical twins, but a yolk and fetal pole never developed. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 The yolk oozing over your grains will give it a rich, buttery taste. 9. Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 6 Feb. 2024 Separate the whites and yolks and make sure the egg white halves have no trace of cooked yolks. Bonnie S. Benwick, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The egg yolk quickly helps emulsify the dressing mixture. Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024 In a small jar, vigorously mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of cream, then brush the mixture over the top of the bannock. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 26 Jan. 2024 Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk to combine milk and egg yolk. Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Whisk well until the whites and yolk are completely combined. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yolk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English yolke, from Old English geoloca, from geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of yolk was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near yolk

Cite this Entry

“Yolk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yolk. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

yolk

noun
ˈyōk How to pronounce yolk (audio)
ˈyelk,
 also  ˈyōlk
1
: the yellow inner mass of stored food in the egg of a bird or reptile
2
: the material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food material to the developing embryo

Medical Definition

yolk

noun
: material stored in an ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol

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