yarn

noun

ˈyärn How to pronounce yarn (audio)
Definition of yarnnext
1
as in tale
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally Grandpa likes to tell yarns about when he was young

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2
as in story
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel a ripping yarn about space travel and alien monsters

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of yarn These are just a few of the brands that have recently turned to the microdramas format to spin a yarn while, naturally, advertising their goods. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Knitting with cashmere yarn, driving a vintage car down Sunset Boulevard, people-watching in Paris. — Viv Chen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 Knitting is a special form of fabrication in which the two ends of the yarn remain outside the fabric. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 But what starts as a good yarn begins to feel like a series of lectures. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yarn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yarn
  1. tale
  2. story
  3. novella
  4. narrative
Noun
  • Then on Wednesday morning, Luna reunited with her owners thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, tourists and park employees, capping a survival tale that required avoiding bears and coyotes while locating enough sustenance and shelter.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That level of control precluded a Vatican media operation from spinning tall tales as occurred during John Paul's reign.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • After the boutique’s statement, Clarkson doubled down on her claims on her Instagram stories with photos featuring a price tag on the bird that contradicted the shop’s first statement.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some economists, including researchers at the Minneapolis Fed, argue the data don’t tell such a clean story.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • As for the sitting president, he’s named just once, in the opening line of the titular novella.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The company is working on a feature adaptation of Pulitzer Prize finalist Torrey Peters’ novella Stag Dance and a feature romantic comedy from Carly Usdin and Brittani Nichols featuring WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance, and Syd Colson.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of novella
Noun
  • Arthur says these moves have contributed to a narrative that does not always acknowledge the value of linear.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the narrative to has unfolded from authorities and passenger accounts, Machchhar had the presence of mind to open the locked door of the cockpit after he was stabbed.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of narrative

Browse Nearby Words

yardsticks
yarn
yarns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yarn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yarn. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on yarn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yarn

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