# yoy

/ˈjɔɪ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yoy
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a very small amount or a tiny bit of something. It is a very old word that people used to say 'a little' or 'a bit'.

For teachers: a small quantity or amount. Archaic in register; primarily found in historical texts or as a literary affectation.

## Examples

- He gave me a yoy of sugar for my tea.
- The old recipe calls for a yoy of salt to be sprinkled over the dough before baking.
- In the margins of the manuscript, the scribe noted that the ink was running low and that only a yoy remained for the final signature.

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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.