Yule log

American  

[yool lawg, log] / ˈyul ˌlɔg, ˌlɒg /

Or yule log

noun

1. a large log of wood that traditionally formed the backlog of the fire at Christmas.

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yule log British  

noun

1. a large log of wood traditionally used as the foundation of a fire in the hearth at Christmas

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Etymology

Origin of Yule log

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

So in that case, you treat it more like the Yule log, right, at Christmas time.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025

In Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, hundreds of worshipers gathered outside St. Sava Temple, the largest Serbian Orthodox church, for the traditional burning of dried oak branches that symbolize the Yule log.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2022

Every year, my parents, my older brother, and I would haul out our fake tree from the basement and watch the Yule log on WPIX.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2016

The Yule Log Station: The warm, homey sounds of a crackling Yule log.

From Washington Post • Jan. 8, 2015

In England the Yule log was often supplemented or replaced 259by a great candle.

From Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan by Miles, Clement A.