Dictionary

yokel

noun yo·kel \ˈyō-kəl\

—used as an insulting word for a person who lives in a small town or in the country far away from cities and is regarded as stupid

Full Definition of YOKEL

: a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small town

See yokel defined for English-language learners

See yokel defined for kids

perhaps from English dialect yokel green woodpecker, of imitative origin

First Known Use: circa 1812

Synonyms: bumpkin, chawbacon, churl, clodhopper, cornball, countryman, hayseed, hillbilly, provincial, rube, rustic, hick

YOKEL Defined for Kids

noun yo·kel \ˈyō-kəl\

: a person from a small town or the country who has little education or experience

Next Word in the Dictionary: yokelishPrevious Word in the Dictionary: yoke–footedAll Words Near: yokel

What made you want to look up yokel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears