4 Letter Words Starting with Y (94 Words in English)

If you’re looking to improve your Scrabble or Words with Friends game, focusing on 4 letter words starting with Y can give you a competitive edge. You may already know common words like YAMS, YOGA, and YOKE. These words often come to mind quickly. While these are useful, there are many less common words that can really help you score big. You’ll find a list of these words, which will make it easier next time you face that tricky letter Y.

List of 4 Letter Words Starting with Y

• Yaar
• Yams
• Yaba
• Yang
• Yank
• Yapp
• Yaps
• Yips
• Yird
• Yirk
• Yirr
• Yite
• Ylem
• Yoga
• Ylke
• Ympe
• Ympt
• Yobs
• Yock
• Yode
• Yodh
• Yods
• Yogh
• Yack
• Yads
• Yaff
• Yagi
• Yolk
• Your
• Yags
• Yahs
• Yaks
• Yald
• Yawn
• Yale
• Yogi
• Yoks
• Yold
• Yomp
• Yard
• Yond
• Yoni
• Yont
• Yoof
• Yoop
• Yore
• Yorp
• Youk
• Yous
• Yowe
• Yowl
• Yows
• Yuan
• Yuca
• Yuch
• Yuck
• Yuft
• Yuga
• Yugs
• Yuke
• Yuko
• Yuks
• Yuky
• Yule
• Yump
• Yunx
• Yups
• Yean
• Yeas
• Yebo
• Yech
• Yede
• Yeed
• Yegg
• Yeld
• Yelk
• Yurt
• Yutz
• Yuzu
• Ywis
• Yare
• Yark
• Yarr
• Yate
• Yaud
• Yaup
• Yawl
• Yawp
• Yaws
• Yawy
• Yays
• Ybet
• Yead
• Yeah

What Are 4 Letter Words?

Well despite their bad rap as swear words, 4 letter words are some of the most important in the English language. Used as a way for children to express themselves, words like want, have, and need to give children the tools necessary to replace crying. These staples of verbal learning can also evoke strong emotions. Words such as love, hate, and like can make you feel one way or another.

But enough about children, why are 4 letter words important when it comes to games? Not only are word games fun, but they also help to increase your vocabulary and improve your brain! Some of the benefits of word games are improved memory and concentration, as well as boosting your mental health. Got something on your mind that’s been bothering you? Play 10 minutes of an online word game like Four Letters and you can help clear your disturbing thoughts. Plus the social aspects of online games like Words with Friends help with connection.

4 letter words are some of the staples for word games like Scrabble. You play more 4 letter words than any other at the start of Scrabble. According to the official Scrabble player’s dictionary, there are 3,996 four letter words that you can legally play in the game. Lucky enough to draw an S? Easily turn that 4 letter word into a 5 letter word for more points.

Another important strategy with 4 letter words is a letter dump. Got a lot of low-scoring letters including A and E? Use 4 letter words to clear your letters in hopes that your next draw may be a higher-scoring letter. 4 letter words can also be used as a defense against your opponent to block high-scoring plays. Need to play off of a Y to strategize or score? Well, you’re in luck, here’s a list of some 4 letter words starting with a Y. Cheers!

4 Letter Words Starting with Y with Meanings and Examples

Yaar
Meaning: An informal term for “friend” or “buddy,” commonly used in South Asia.
Example: “Hey, yaar, let’s go for a coffee.”

Yams
Meaning: Starchy tubers of a climbing plant, cultivated for food in warm regions.
Example: She cooked some yams as a side dish for dinner.

Yaba
Meaning: A powerful, addictive stimulant containing methamphetamine, often found in Southeast Asia.
Example: The police cracked down on the illegal yaba trade.

Yang
Meaning: In Chinese philosophy, the active, male principle in nature, associated with heaven, heat, and light.
Example: According to Taoism, yang complements yin, creating balance.

Yank
Meaning: To pull something with a sudden, sharp movement.
Example: She yanked the door open when she heard the noise.

Yapp
Meaning: To talk at length in an irritating way.
Example: He kept yapping on about his new car.

Yaps
Meaning: Makes short, high-pitched barking sounds, often used for small dogs.
Example: The little dog yaps at everyone who passes by.

Yips
Meaning: Nervousness or tension causing an athlete to fail to perform, especially in golf.
Example: He got the yips and missed an easy putt.

Yird
Meaning: Scottish term for “earth” or “soil.”
Example: The farmer dug deep into the yird to plant the seeds.

Yirk
Meaning: To pull suddenly or to jerk; also, to thrust or push.
Example: The fisherman gave a yirk to his rod when he felt a bite.

Yirr
Meaning: Scottish term meaning to snarl or growl.
Example: The dog began to yirr at the stranger approaching the house.

Yite
Meaning: Scottish slang for a house mouse.
Example: They set traps to catch the yite in the pantry.

Ylem
Meaning: A hypothetical original substance from which all elements are derived, especially in the context of the Big Bang theory.
Example: Scientists theorize that the universe began from a state of ylem.

Yoga
Meaning: A spiritual and physical practice involving breath control, meditation, and specific body postures.
Example: She practices yoga every morning to stay calm and flexible.

Ylke
Meaning: An old or obsolete word meaning “same.”
Example: “Thou and I are of the ylke mind, my friend,” said the knight.

Ympe
Meaning: To graft or to plant, especially used in old texts.
Example: The gardener decided to ympe a new rose onto the existing bush.

Ympt
Meaning: Past tense of “ympe,” meaning grafted or planted.
Example: The trees were ympt in neat rows by the gardener.

Yobs
Meaning: British slang for a rude, noisy, and aggressive young person.
Example: The yobs were causing trouble outside the pub.

Yock
Meaning: A loud laugh or guffaw.
Example: His yock could be heard across the room.

Yode
Meaning: An old past tense of “yodel,” meaning to sing or call out loudly.
Example: The shepherd yode to his flock across the valley.

Yodh
Meaning: The tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Example: In the Torah, each yodh has its own significance.

Yods
Meaning: Plural of yodh; also refers to the Hebrew letter.
Example: The text was carefully written with perfectly shaped yods.

Yogh
Meaning: A Middle English letter used for various sounds, especially guttural or velar.
Example: The letter yogh fell out of use after the Middle English period.

Yack
Meaning: Slang for talk, especially in an aimless or trivial manner.
Example: They sat around the campfire and yacked all night.

Yads
Meaning: A pointer used to read the Torah without touching it.
Example: The rabbi used a yad to follow the text during the service.

Yaff
Meaning: To bark or yelp, especially referring to small dogs; also, to talk incessantly.
Example: The terrier began to yaff as soon as the postman arrived.

Yagi
Meaning: A type of directional antenna used for communications.
Example: The engineer installed a yagi antenna to improve the radio signal.

Yolk
Meaning: The yellow part of an egg that contains fat and protein.
Example: She separated the yolk from the egg white to make a meringue.

Your
Meaning: Belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
Example: Is this your book on the table?

Yags
Meaning: Slang for diamonds or precious stones; also, a type of synthetic garnet used in jewelry.
Example: The jeweler displayed a collection of yags in the window.

Yahs
Meaning: Plural of yah, an informal exclamation of agreement or approval.
Example: The crowd gave a chorus of yahs when the band started playing.

Yaks
Meaning: Large, long-haired oxen found in the Himalayas; also, slang for excessive talking.
Example: The caravan was led by a sturdy yak carrying supplies.

Yald
Meaning: An old Scots word meaning vigorous or lively.
Example: The old man was still yald and active, even in his 80s.

Yawn
Meaning: To open the mouth wide and inhale deeply due to tiredness or boredom.
Example: He tried to hide his yawn during the long meeting.

Yale
Meaning: An American Ivy League university; also, a mythical creature in heraldry.
Example: She graduated from Yale with honors in literature.

Yogi
Meaning: A practitioner of yoga, often a person who is highly adept or learned in yoga.
Example: The yogi led a meditation session by the river.

Yoks
Meaning: Loud laughs or guffaws.
Example: The comedian’s joke got several hearty yoks from the audience.

Yold
Meaning: A dialect term meaning “old” or aged.
Example: The yold man shared stories from his youth with the children.

Yomp
Meaning: British military slang for a long-distance march carrying full kit.
Example: The soldiers had to yomp across the rugged terrain during training.

Yard
Meaning: A unit of length equal to three feet; also, an enclosed area around a building.
Example: The children played in the yard all afternoon.

Yond
Meaning: An archaic or poetic word meaning “over there” or “at some distance.”
Example: “See yond hill?” said the traveler, pointing ahead.

Yoni
Meaning: A symbol representing the female genitalia in Hinduism, considered sacred.
Example: The yoni is often depicted in temples as a symbol of fertility.

Yont
Meaning: Scottish dialect for “beyond.”
Example: The village lies just yont the river.

Yoof
Meaning: Slang for youth, especially in British dialects.
Example: The yoof today have so many opportunities compared to the past.

Yoop
Meaning: A loud exclamation or call, possibly a playful or regional term.
Example: “Let’s yoop it up at the party tonight!” he shouted.

Yore
Meaning: A long time ago or former times (chiefly used in nostalgic or poetic contexts).
Example: In days of yore, knights fought with swords and shields.

Yorp
Meaning: A loud, gruff shout or call, often regional or informal.
Example: The farmer let out a yorp to call his sheep.

Youk
Meaning: A Scottish dialect word meaning to itch.
Example: The mosquito bites made his skin youk terribly.

Yous
Meaning: Informal plural form of “you,” often used in dialects.
Example: “What are yous doing tonight?” asked the bartender.

Yowe
Meaning: A Scottish term for a ewe (female sheep).
Example: The yowe was grazing peacefully in the field with her lambs.

Yowl
Meaning: A loud, wailing cry, especially from pain or distress.
Example: The cat let out a long yowl after getting its tail stepped on.

Yows
Meaning: Plural of yow; another dialect form for ewes or sheep.
Example: The shepherd rounded up the yows for shearing.

Yuan
Meaning: The basic unit of currency in China.
Example: The price of the souvenir was 50 yuan.

Yuca
Meaning: A starchy root vegetable also known as cassava, used in many Latin American dishes.
Example: She fried yuca to serve with the grilled chicken.

Yuch
Meaning: A variant spelling of “yuck,” an exclamation of disgust.
Example: “Ew, yuch! I don’t want to eat that,” she said, looking at the strange dish.

Yuck
Meaning: An exclamation of disgust or dislike.
Example: “Yuck! This milk has gone sour,” he exclaimed.

Yuft
Meaning: A type of durable leather used in Russia, especially for boots.
Example: The soldier’s boots were made of tough yuft.

Yuga
Meaning: In Hindu philosophy, one of the four ages of the world.
Example: The current yuga is known as Kali Yuga.

Yugs
Meaning: Plural of yug, referring to an age or era in Hindu cosmology.
Example: The yugs pass by, each with its own distinct qualities and challenges.

Yuke
Meaning: British slang for a ukulele.
Example: He brought his yuke to the beach party and played some tunes.

Yuko
Meaning: A score in judo, which is less than a waza-ari but more than a koka.
Example: The judoka won with a yuko after a tough match.

Yuks
Meaning: Loud, hearty laughs; also, slang for jokes.
Example: The comedian got plenty of yuks from the audience.

Yuky
Meaning: Disgusting or gross; a variant of “yucky.”
Example: The old leftovers looked pretty yuky.

Yule
Meaning: An archaic term for Christmas, particularly used in pre-Christian or medieval contexts.
Example: They celebrated Yule with a big feast and a bonfire.

Yump
Meaning: A jump in rally driving where the car momentarily leaves the ground.
Example: The driver took the yump at full speed, thrilling the spectators.

Yunx
Meaning: An archaic or literary term referring to a wryneck, a type of bird.
Example: The yunx is known for its twisting neck movements.

Yups
Meaning: Plural of yup, an informal version of “yes.”
Example: The kids answered with enthusiastic yups when asked if they wanted ice cream.

Yean
Meaning: To give birth to a lamb or a kid.
Example: The sheep began to yean in the early hours of the morning.

Yeas
Meaning: Plural of yea; votes in favor or affirmative answers.
Example: The bill passed with 300 yeas and 150 nays.

Yebo
Meaning: A slang term for “yes” in some South African dialects.
Example: “Are you coming to the party?” “Yes, yebo!”

Yech
Meaning: An exclamation of disgust or strong dislike, similar to “yuck.”
Example: “Yech! This soup tastes awful!”

Yede
Meaning: An archaic word meaning “went.”
Example: “He yede to the market early in the morn.”

Yeed
Meaning: Another archaic or dialect word meaning “went.”
Example: “The knight yeed forth on his quest.”

Yegg
Meaning: A slang term for a burglar or safecracker, especially in early 20th-century America.
Example: The yegg managed to break into the vault without triggering the alarm.

Yeld
Meaning: An old term for a barren cow or ewe; an animal that does not produce offspring.
Example: The farmer decided to sell the yeld ewes to save on feed costs.

Yelk
Meaning: Another word for the yellow part of an egg; yolk.
Example: The chef carefully separated the yelk from the egg whites.

Yurt
Meaning: A portable, round tent traditionally used by nomadic people in Central Asia.
Example: They stayed in a yurt during their trip to Mongolia.

Yutz
Meaning: A Yiddish term for a fool or an annoying person.
Example: “Don’t be such a yutz!” she said, laughing.

Yuzu
Meaning: A citrus fruit from East Asia, used especially in Japanese cuisine.
Example: The salad had a refreshing yuzu dressing.

Ywis
Meaning: An archaic word meaning “certainly” or “indeed.”
Example: “The task is hard, ywis, but not impossible,” he declared.

Yare
Meaning: Quick, agile, or ready; used especially in sailing contexts.
Example: The yare ship maneuvered swiftly through the waves.

Yark
Meaning: To seize or pull violently; a variant of “yank.”
Example: He gave a yark to the rope to secure it.

Yarr
Meaning: An exclamation often used by pirates in fiction.
Example: “Yarr! Hand over the treasure!” the pirate shouted.

Yate
Meaning: A type of tall tree found in Australia.
Example: The yate trees provide excellent shade in the summer.

Yaud
Meaning: A Scottish dialect word for a worn-out horse.
Example: The old yaud was put out to pasture after years of hard work.

Yaup
Meaning: To cry out loudly, especially in distress; also, to yelp.
Example: The puppy began to yaup when it couldn’t find its mother.

Yawl
Meaning: A type of two-masted sailing boat.
Example: They sailed their yawl around the bay all afternoon.

Yawp
Meaning: To shout or exclaim hoarsely or loudly.
Example: The children began to yawp as they played outside.

Yaws
Meaning: A tropical disease of the skin, bones, and joints caused by bacteria.
Example: The doctor treated several cases of yaws in the rural village.

Yawy
Meaning: Deviating from a straight path; also, unsteady.
Example: The car’s steering was yawy after hitting the pothole.

Yays
Meaning: Plural of “yay,” an informal exclamation of excitement or joy; also, votes in favor.
Example: The proposal was met with a chorus of yays from the crowd.

Ybet
Meaning: An archaic word meaning “beaten.”
Example: The warrior was sore and ybet after the battle.

Yead
Meaning: An old dialect word for “head.”
Example: He nodded his yead in agreement.

Yeah
Meaning: Informal for “yes.”
Example: “Yeah, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

4 Letter Words Starting with Y for Kids

Related links:

• 4 Letter Words Starting with A
• 4 Letter Words Starting with C
• 4 Letter Words Starting with E
• 4 Letter Words Starting with I
• 4 Letter Words Starting With G
• 4 Letter Words that Start with K
• 4 Letter Words Starting with L
• 4 Letter Words Starting with O
• 4 Letter Words Starting with P
• 4 Letter Words Starting with Q
• 4 Letter Words Starting with R
• 4 Letter Words Starting with S
• 4 Letter Words Starting with T
• 4 Letter Words Starting with U
• 4 Letter Words Starting with Y
• 4 Letter Words Starting with Z

You might also like:

• Words that Start with Y

• About
• Latest Posts

Emma Grace

We at 7ESL are dedicated to empowering English learners with cutting-edge AI technology. Our innovative applications assist users in speaking English fluently and enhancing their writing skills. We provide a wealth of resources and tools to help learners at every level master the English language.

Latest posts by Emma Grace (see all)

• Judgement vs. Judgment: A Look at Spelling Variations - January 9, 2024
• Crochet vs. Knit: Understanding the Differences - January 5, 2024
• Metric vs. Imperial: What’s the Difference? - December 28, 2023