First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1yarn
noun \ˈyärn\
: a long, thin piece of cotton, wool, etc., that is thicker than thread and that is used for knitting and weaving
: an exciting or interesting story; especially : a story that is so surprising or unusual that it is difficult to believe
Full Definition of YARN
1
a : a continuous often plied strand composed of either natural or man-made fibers or filaments and used in weaving and knitting to form cloth b : a similar strand of another material (as metal, glass, or plastic)
2
: a narrative of adventures; especially : a tall tale <a roaring good yarn>
See yarn defined for English-language learners
See yarn defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of YARN
Middle English, from Old English gearn; akin to Old High German garn yarn, Greek chordē string, Latin hernia rupture, Sanskrit hira band
2yarn
verb
Definition of YARN
intransitive verb
: to tell a yarn
— yarn·er noun
First Known Use of YARN
1812
YARN Defined for Kids
yarn
noun \ˈyärn\
Definition of YARN for Kids
1
: a natural or manufactured fiber (as of cotton, wool, or rayon) formed as a continuous thread for use in knitting or weaving
2
: an interesting or exciting story <Grandpa said, “How about a story? Spin us a yarn.” — Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons>
Learn More About YARN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up yarn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).