yeti
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of yeti
First recorded in 1950–55; < the Tibetan language of the Sherpas
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Explanation
A yeti is a mythical creature that's said to live in the Himalayan mountains. Another name for a yeti is "abominable snowman." While most people consider the yeti to be a legend, there are those who believe it's a real human-like creature that lives in Nepal and Tibet. The yeti — which is often spelled with a capital Y — has long been part of Tibetan legend and myth, and has existed in Western popular culture since the 19th century, when Himalayan explorers first reported seeing a strange, tall creature. The Tibetan root of yeti is yeh-teh, "small manlike animal."
Vocabulary lists containing yeti
Before the Ever After
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Sold
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Odd One Out
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yeti also carved out a durable double bottom just below the $30 level, matching the troughs from April and May.
From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025
First make your home “like a Yeti cooler,” says Alpen’s chief executive, Andrew Zech.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025
“If you’re on an oxygen concentrator or a hoyer lift, Edison has us delivering Goal Zero Yeti battery back up so you can plug in your medical device,” Nash explained.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2025
In our own research and more representative surveys, a higher percentage of respondents tend to say they believe in Bigfoot than other cryptids, including the Yeti, Chupacabra, Loch Ness Monster, and, the Mothman.
From Slate • Oct. 2, 2024
"There have been many sightings of the Yeti," the reporter said.
From "Case of the Sneaky Snowman: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #5" by Carolyn Keene
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
