my

¹ American  

[mahy] / maɪ /

pronoun

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

   My soup is cold.

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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.

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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!

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interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc

   my, how you've grown!

MY ² British  

abbreviation

1. motor yacht

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my ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Malaysia

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my- ⁴ British  

combining form

1. a variant of myo-

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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; see mine ¹

Example Sentences

And I was like 'oh my god, this is just a nightmare.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The EPA fuel economy figure of 12 mpg, combined, hilariously overstates mileage in my real-world driving.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

A trip to the emergency room helped me realize my generation is in trouble—and that we can’t give in to defeatism about our chronic health issues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"That's my honest opinion, because we're all part of the transport system," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

It had made me feel like I had a kindred spirit—until she asked out my crush!

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