soy

noun

ˈsȯi 

1

or chiefly British soya

ˈsȯi-ə 

: soybean

Products that contain isoflavones—and are commonly called phytoestrogens—come from plants and legumes (such as soy), and show promise for decreasing hot flashes and may improve cholesterol.

—Michelle P. Warren

Producing meat in this ever-more crowded world requires creating new pastures and planting more land for imported feeds, particularly soy, instead of relying on local grazing.

—The New York Times

—often used before another noun

soy milk

soy protein

a soy latte [=a latte made with soy milk]

2

: a food product made from or containing soy beans: such as

a

: soy sauce

Roy Choi, the Los Angeles restaurateur, advises sneaking a pat of butter and a splash of soy into instant ramen.

—Sam Sifton

b

: tofu, bean curd

In this narrow slice of a restaurant, house-made fried tofu in three flavors … draws crowds for good reason: The shop renders soy into cubes as light and fluffy as scrambled eggs.

—Washingtonian

Examples of soy in a Sentence

His book promotes the health benefits of soy.

The recipe calls for two tablespoons of soy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thick, deeply flavorful and less cloying than the original, this vegan rendition ($9) uses Shields’s date crystals, chewy pieces of fresh date, soy ice cream and banana. —Freda Moon, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Wax paper is typically coated with paraffin wax, although more sustainable and compostable options may be treated with beeswax or soy wax. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024

The lobster open-hand roll — held together with soy paper and topped with bubu arare for a nice crunch — was a standout. —Nicole Cobler, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

The 32-ounce bottles of Bloody Mary mix were sold without warnings related to fish and soy ingredients, the FDA said. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōyu

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing soy

• soy milk
• soy sauce

Kids Definition

soy

noun

ˈsȯi 

1

: soy sauce

2

: soybean