plural yokes
1
a
: a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such 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
4
: a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments
yoked; yoking
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
: to become joined or linked
Synonyms
Examples of yoke in a Sentence
Noun
a people able at last to throw off the yoke and to embrace freedom
Verb
The two oxen were yoked together.
yoked several ideas together to come up with a new theory
Recent Examples on the Web
Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
To be among the marginalized, outside the arena of power in the America of yesterday and tomorrow, is to live in the stifling yoke of wholesale animosity.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 28 May 2022
Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 26 June 2024
That China is ramping up pressure on Taiwan and that Russia sought to yoke Ukraine to its sphere of influence does not suggest American decline or the collapse of liberal order.
—G. John Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for yoke 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Every detail was perfectly recreated — from the performance look's metallic bustier, beaded yoke and chain skirt, to the black bob, silver headpiece, studded black gloves, black leggings and thigh-high leather boots Hudson wore to accessorize.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
To be among the marginalized, outside the arena of power in the America of yesterday and tomorrow, is to live in the stifling yoke of wholesale animosity.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 28 May 2022
Verb
Some wore suits and gowns; others wore tour T-shirts; one guy, extra yoked, wore a racerback tank with a picture of Céline in full sequins covering the front.
—Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 26 June 2024
That China is ramping up pressure on Taiwan and that Russia sought to yoke Ukraine to its sphere of influence does not suggest American decline or the collapse of liberal order.
—G. John Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for yoke
Dictionary Entries Near yoke
Cite this Entry
“Yoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoke. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
yoke
1 of 2 noun
plural yokes
1
a
: a wooden bar or frame by which two work animals (as oxen) are joined at their heads or necks for pulling a plow or load
b
: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions
c
: a clamp or brace that holds or unites two parts
2
plural usually yoke
: two animals yoked together
5
: a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of a garment
yoke
2 of 2 verb
yoked; yoking
1
: to put a yoke on
2
: to attach (a work animal) to something
yoke a horse to a cart
3
: to join as if by a yoke
4
: to put to work
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share