# yoke

/ˈjoʊk/ (US) · /jˈəʊk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yoke
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a heavy wooden bar put over the necks of animals so they can pull a cart together. It is also used to describe something that takes away your freedom or makes your life very difficult.

For teachers: a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or vehicle that they are to pull; figuratively, a burden or a symbol of oppression and servitude.

## Examples

- The oxen pulled the heavy cart with a wooden yoke.
- After decades of colonial rule, the nation finally threw off the yoke of foreign occupation to become independent.
- The poet uses the image of a heavy iron yoke to represent the psychological burden of debt that weighed down the working class during the industrial revolution.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically with verbs like 'throw off', 'break', or 'suffer under'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.