my

¹ American  

[mahy] / maɪ /

pronoun

1. (a form of the possessive case of I used as an attributive adjective).

   My soup is cold.

---

interjection

1. Also (used as an exclamation of mild surprise or dismay).

   My, what a big house this is! My-my, how old he looks!

my- ² American  

1. variant of myo- before some vowels.

   myalgia.

---

my ¹ British  

/ maɪ /

determiner

1. of, belonging to, or associated with the speaker or writer (me)

   my own ideas

   do you mind my smoking?

2. used in various forms of address

   my lord

   my dear boy

3. used in various exclamations

   my goodness!

---

interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc

   my, how you've grown!

MY ² British  

abbreviation

1. motor yacht

---

my ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Malaysia

---

my- ⁴ British  

combining form

1. a variant of myo-

---

Grammar

See me.

Usage

What does my- mean? My- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “muscle.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy. My- comes from the Greek mŷs, meaning “muscle” and “mouse.” Mouse? You read that right. Discover why at our entry for muscle!My- is a variant of myo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use myo- article.

Etymology

Origin of my

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English mī, variant of mīn, Old English mīn; mine ¹

Example Sentences

Blanche bridled at the suggestion, calling it “the most false statement I have ever heard in my life.”

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

"It does show how much of a part that Kindle plays in my life," she said, adding it had allowed her to "take all of my books with me" when working and travelling.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Now, I also host a book club of my own, the Audacious Book Club — a sprawling affair I run through my newsletter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The defendant allegedly responded: "Oh yes, that's my sister's. She asked me to look after it."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Normally, I’d be worried that the airline was trying to message me, that I’d miss the flight, but with every step forward, I feel lighter on my feet.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith