yean

verb

ˈyēn

ˈēn

yeaned; yeaning; yeans

intransitive verb

: to bring forth young

—used of a sheep or goat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English yenen, from Old English *geēanian, from Old English ge-, perfective prefix + ēanian to yean; akin to Latin agnus lamb, Greek amnos

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of yean was in 1548

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

yeah

yean

yeanling

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Yean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yean. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

yean

verb

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

truculent