First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1yoke
noun \ˈyōk\
: a bar or frame that is attached to the heads or necks of two work animals (such as oxen) so that they can pull a plow or heavy load
: something that causes people to be treated cruelly and unfairly especially by taking away their freedom
plural yokes
Full Definition of YOKE
1
a : a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b : an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d : a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1) : a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2) : an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons f : a frame from which a bell is hung g : a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position
2
plural usually yoke : two animals yoked or worked together
4
: a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments
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Origin of YOKE
Middle English yok, from Old English geoc; akin to Old High German joh yoke, Latin jugum, Greek zygon, Sanskrit yuga, Latin jungere to join
Related to YOKE
2yoke
verb
: to connect (two animals) by a yoke
yokedyok·ing
Full Definition of YOKE
transitive verb
1
a (1) : to put a yoke on (2) : to join in or with a yoke b : to attach a draft animal to; also : to attach (a draft animal) to something
2
: to join as if by a yoke
3
: to put to work
intransitive verb
: to become joined or linked
See yoke defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of YOKE
before 12th century
YOKING Defined for Kids
1yoke
noun \ˈyōk\
Definition of YOKE for Kids
1
: a wooden bar or frame by which two work animals (as oxen) are harnessed at the heads or necks for drawing a plow or load
2
: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal parts
3
: a clamp that holds or connects two parts
4
plural usually yoke : two animals yoked together
5
: something that brings about pain, suffering, or a loss of freedom <the yoke of tyranny>
6
: slavery 1
7
: a fitted or shaped piece at the shoulder of a garment or at the top of a skirt
2yoke
verb
yokedyok·ing
Definition of YOKE for Kids
1
: to put a yoke on <The oxen were yoked together.>
2
: to attach a work animal to <Yoke the horse to the wagon.>
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