yin-yang symbol

noun

ˈyin-ˌyäŋ- How to pronounce yin-yang symbol (audio)
-ˌyaŋ-
variants or less commonly yinyang symbol
: a graphic symbol of Chinese origin that has the form of a circle divided evenly into two symmetrical teardrop shapes representing yin and yang

Note: One of the teardrop shapes in a yin-yang symbol is dark (usually black) and the other is light (usually white), with each containing a small circle of the other color.

Examples of yin-yang symbol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In December, the actress posted a Reel of a day in her life, which included waking up, walking on a treadmill in a baggy gray sweatshirt and heading into work, wearing an oversized cardigan with yin-yang symbols across the top. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024 Its first administrative officer, James Ulio, designed its insignia around the yin-yang symbol, a figure that in Asian traditions signifies a balanced embrace of opposing forces. Jonathan M. Pitts, Washington Post, 1 June 2022 Surveillance video showed a tattoo of a yin-yang symbol on the left hand of the man who robbed the bank. Christopher Roth, azcentral, 14 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yin-yang symbol was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near yin-yang symbol

Cite this Entry

“Yin-yang symbol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yin-yang%20symbol. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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