soy

American  

[soi] / sɔɪ /

especially British, soya

noun

1. the soybean plant or its seeds.

   Soy is a major crop in Brazil.

2. a product or products made from soybeans.

   I'm vegetarian, so my main source of protein is soy.

3. soy sauce.

   Add about 2 tablespoons soy to the noodles.

4. soymilk.

   We use soy in our coffee instead of milk.

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adjective

1. made or derived from soybeans or soymilk.

   soy flour.

Etymology

Origin of soy

First recorded in 1690–1700; perhaps via Dutch or New Latin soya, soja, from Japanese shōyu, earlier siau-yu, from Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese jìngyóu “soybean oil”

Explanation

Soy refers to both a plant and the protein-rich food made from its beans. You can drink soy milk, eat tofu, or use soy sauce to add flavor to your meals Soy refers to a high-protein vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of foods and products. From tofu, oil, and soy milk in the kitchen to biodiesel and plastics in industry, soybeans are incredibly adaptable. This makes soy not only a dietary staple for many but also a critical ingredient in numerous industrial applications. Its ability to serve both culinary and commercial purposes highlights its global economic importance.

Example Sentences

He lives on-site, working 365 days a year running the Yamaroku Soy Sauce brewing house on the hilly Shodoshima Island in Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The honoree’s career spans six decades, first wowing crowds during Eurovision Song contests in 1966 and 1967, where he gained recognition for his love-struck ballads “Yo Soy Aquél” and “Hablemos del Amor,” respectively.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025

The BBC's deputy Africa editor Anne Soy said the apparent murder has surprised the local community.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2025

Kikkoman has many low-sodium varieties of their classic products including Less Sodium Soy Sauce and 50% Less Sodium Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

I beg you to accept this large pot of Soy in memory of me.

From The City Curious by Bosschère, Jean de