# yon

/ˈjɑn/ (US) · /jˈɒn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yon
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

that or those, but used to describe something that is far away. You use it when you want to point to something in the distance without using a specific word like 'that'.

For teachers: that or those, used to indicate distance. Often used in poetic or dialectal contexts to distinguish a distant object from a nearby one.

## Examples

- I saw yon ship sailing across the sea.
- The old man pointed at yon hills and told the children they would reach them by nightfall.
- In the quiet of the morning, the traveler stood on the cliff and watched yon distant islands disappear into the mist as the tide rose.

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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.