yean
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /jiːn/
KK: /jɪn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To give birth to young, specifically used for sheep and goats.
Example
The ewe will yean in the spring, bringing new lambs into the world.
Tense Forms
Past: yeaned
Past Participle: yeaned
Conversation
Did you hear that the sheep are going to yean soon?
Really? That sounds exciting!
Yeah, it’s always fun to see the little lambs running around.
Absolutely! They’re so adorable when they first start to walk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lamb
kid
foal
Antonyms
die
cease
stop
transitive verb
Definition
To give birth to young, especially in the context of sheep and goats.
Example
The ewe will yean in the spring, bringing new lambs into the world.
Tense Forms
Past: yeaned
Past Participle: yeaned
Conversation
Did you hear that our neighbor's goat just yeaned?
No way! That's so exciting!
Yeah, they said it was a really cute baby goat.
Root Explanation
The word 'yean' originates from Old English 'geonian', meaning to give birth or to bring forth. It specifically refers to the act of a sheep giving birth to a lamb.
Memory Tip
Think of a sheep 'giving birth' — that's what 'yean' means.
Visually Confused Words
yearn
yen
yea
yan
ean
yeoman
byeman