100+ Words That Start With 'Y' For Kids
Table of Contents
The letter Y is a very special letter in the English alphabet! It makes many fun and useful words that children hear and use every day like yes, yellow, yawn, and yummy. Learning words that start with Y will help kids to build their vocabulary, understand how sounds work, and become more confident readers and speakers.
What makes Y interesting is that it can sound like two different letters. Sometimes it sounds like a consonant, as in yes or yellow. Sometimes it acts like a vowel, as in cry or gym. By learning Y words in a fun way, children can easily remember them and start using them in their daily conversations.
List of Common Words that Start with Y
Here are some common and easy words that start with the letter Y. These are words your child will often see or hear in daily life, in stories, at home, or at school.

|
Word |
Meaning |
|
Yes |
Used to agree or say okay. |
|
You |
The person someone is talking to. |
|
Yellow |
A bright color like the sun or a banana. |
|
Yarn |
A long, soft thread used for knitting or weaving. |
|
Yawn |
To open your mouth wide when you are sleepy or tired. |
|
Young |
Someone who has not lived for many years; not old. |
|
Yesterday |
The day before today. |
|
Yummy |
Something that tastes very good. |
|
Yard |
An open space or garden near a house. |
|
Yak |
A long-haired animal found in cold mountain areas. |
|
Year |
A period of 12 months. |
|
Yogurt |
A healthy food made from milk. |
|
Yawn |
What you do when you feel sleepy or bored. |
|
Yolk |
The yellow part inside an egg. |
|
Yippee |
A happy word you say when you are excited. |
Short Y Words for Kids with Meaning
Here’s a list of short and simple Y words with their meanings to help kids understand and remember them easily.

|
Word |
Meaning |
|
Ye |
An old way of saying you. |
|
Yo |
A friendly way to call or greet someone. |
|
Yay |
Said to show happiness or excitement. |
|
Yak |
A large, hairy animal that lives in cold mountains. |
|
Yam |
A sweet vegetable like a potato. |
|
Yap |
The quick, sharp bark of a small dog. |
|
Yen |
The money used in Japan. |
|
Yes |
Used to agree or say okay. |
|
Yet |
Something that hasn’t happened but may happen later. |
|
You |
The person someone is talking to. |
|
Yum |
Said when something tastes good. |
|
Yew |
A type of evergreen tree. |
|
Yip |
A short, high-pitched sound, like a small bark. |
|
Yin |
In Chinese philosophy, it means the dark or quiet side. |
|
Yow |
A sound you make when something hurts, like “ouch.” |
Y Words for Kids (A to Z Style)
Here’s an A to Z style list of Y words for kids in two columns for easy reading:
|
Y Words |
Y Words |
|
Yacht |
Yogurt |
|
Yak |
Yolk |
|
Yam |
Young |
|
Yard |
Yourself |
|
Yarn |
Youth |
|
Yawn |
Yucky |
|
Year |
Yummy |
|
Yearn |
Yule |
|
Yeast |
Yonder |
|
Yellow |
Yes |
|
Yesterday |
Yet |
|
Yippee |
Yodel |
Easy Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of easy Y words that are perfect for toddlers and early learners. These words are simple, familiar, and phonics-friendly, making them easy for kids to read, say, and remember.
|
Easy Y Words |
Easy Y Words |
|
Yes |
You |
|
Yak |
Yum |
|
Yam |
Yard |
|
Yawn |
Yarn |
|
Yellow |
Yip |
|
Yummy |
Ye |
|
Yo-yo |
Yet |
|
Yew |
Yay |
Simple Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of simple Y words that are slightly longer or more commonly used. These words often appear in stories, books, and daily conversations, helping children recognize and use them naturally.
|
Simple Y Words |
Simple Y Words |
|
Yawn |
Year |
|
Yarn |
Yesterday |
|
Young |
Yourself |
|
Yellow |
Yummy |
|
Yard |
Yonder |
|
Yacht |
Youth |
|
Yeast |
Yield |
|
Yogurt |
Yippee |
Positive Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of positive and encouraging Y words that children can learn. These words describe good qualities, emotions, and happy traits, helping kids develop a positive mindset.
|
Positive Y Words |
Positive Y Words |
|
Youthful |
Yes-minded |
|
Yielding |
Yearning |
|
Yummy |
Young-at-heart |
|
Yare (ready and lively) |
You-minded (considerate of others) |
|
Yippee (joyful/excited) |
Yonder-loving (curious and adventurous) |
Funny Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of playful, silly, or sound-based Y words that make learning fun for kids. These words are easy to say and often make children laugh while learning.
|
Funny Y Words |
Funny Y Words |
|
Yippee |
Yuck |
|
Yahoo |
Yow |
|
Yucky |
Yodel |
|
Yawn |
Yo-yo |
|
Yoink |
Yap |
|
Yabba-dabba |
Yeow |
|
Yummy |
Yip |
Long Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of longer Y words that help children expand their vocabulary. These words are great for older kids and can appear in stories, books, and school exercises.
|
Yesterday |
Yourself |
|
Yearning |
Youthful |
|
Yesteryear |
Youngster |
|
Yielding |
Yestermorn |
|
Yellowish |
Yachtsman |
2-Letter Y Words
Here are some 2-letter Y words that are very simple and easy for kids to learn:
|
2-Letter Y Words |
2-Letter Y Words |
|
Ye |
Yo |
|
Ye |
Yu |
|
Yi |
Yá |
|
Yo |
Yé |
|
Yá |
Yí |
3-Letter Y Words
Here are some 3-letter Y words suitable for early learners:
|
3-Letter Y Words |
3-Letter Y Words |
|
Yak |
Yes |
|
Yum |
You |
|
Yay |
Yip |
|
Yon |
Yew |
|
Yin |
Yap |
4-Letter Y Words
Here are some 4-letter Y words that children can recognize in stories or daily use:
|
4-Letter Y Words |
4-Letter Y Words |
|
Yard |
Yarn |
|
Yawn |
Yule |
|
Yuck |
Yelp |
|
Yogi |
Yeti |
|
Yule |
Yoyo |

5-Letter Y Words
Here’s a list of 5-letter Y words suitable for kids to expand their vocabulary:
|
5-Letter Y Words |
5-Letter Y Words |
|
Young |
Yearn |
|
Yield |
Yummy |
|
Yacht |
Yodle |
|
Yikes |
Yowza |
|
Yappy |
Yulan |
6-Letter Y Words
Here’s a list of 6-letter Y words for slightly older kids:
|
6-Letter Y Words |
6-Letter Y Words |
|
Yellow |
Yearly |
|
Yawner |
Yolked |
|
Yogurt |
Yonder |
|
Yippee |
Yields |
|
Yaupon |
Yarrow |
7+ Letter Y Words
Here’s a list of longer Y words that help build vocabulary for advanced learners:
|
7+ Letter Y Words |
7+ Letter Y Words |
|
Yourself |
Youthful |
|
Yesterday |
Yesteryear |
|
Yearling |
Youngster |
|
Yielding |
Yellowish |
|
Yachtsman |
Yearbook |

Things That Start With Y
Here’s a list of common objects and things that start with the letter Y. These are easy for kids to spot in daily life or learn about in stories.
|
Things That Start With Y |
Things That Start With Y |
|
Yarn |
Yacht |
|
Yo-yo |
Yardstick |
|
Yogurt |
Yellow pencil |
|
Yolk |
Yellow bag |
|
Yoga mat |
Yule log |
|
Yellow book |
Y-shaped branch |
|
Young plant |
Yellow hat |
|
Yellow cup |
Yoghurt cup |
|
Yard lamp |
Yellow balloon |
|
Yoyo toy |
Yellow shoes |
Animal Names That Start With Y
Here are some animals that start with Y, which can be fun and educational for kids:
|
Animal Names |
Animal Names |
|
Yak |
Yellowfin tuna |
|
Yorkshire terrier |
Yabby |
|
Yellowhammer |
Yellowjacket (insect) |
|
Yabby crab |
Yunnan snub-nosed monkey |
|
Yaffle (type of bird) |
Yapok (water opossum) |
|
Yellow mongoose |
Yellow tang (fish) |
|
Yacare caiman |
Yarkand deer |
|
Yellow-bellied slider |
Yucatan squirrel |
|
Yellow wagtail |
Yellow baboon |
|
Yunnan golden monkey |
Yabby shrimp |
Place Names That Start With Y
Here are some places around the world starting with Y, including countries, cities, and towns:
|
Place Names |
Place Names |
|
Yemen |
York |
|
Yercaud |
Yakutsk |
|
Yosemite |
Yerevan |
|
Yogyakarta |
Yamoussoukro |
|
Yellowknife |
Yilan |
|
Yancheng |
Ystad |
|
Yekaterinburg |
Yogyakarta city |
|
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk |
Yambio |
|
Yate |
Yancheng county |
|
Yamoussoukro city |
Yachiyo |
Food Names That Start With Y
Here’s a list of foods that start with the letter Y. These are fun to learn and can also help kids explore different tastes and cultures:
|
Food Names |
Food Names |
|
Yogurt |
Yam |
|
Yeast |
Yellow rice |
|
Yiros (Greek wrap) |
Yoghurt parfait |
|
Yellow pepper |
Yabby (edible freshwater crustacean) |
|
Yellow squash |
Yakitori (Japanese grilled skewers) |
|
Yellow lentils |
Yoghurt smoothie |
|
Young coconut |
Yiros salad |
|
Yellow cake |
Yule log cake |
|
Yellow corn |
Yogurt dip |
|
Yiros pita |
Yellow chili |
Cool and Fun Y Words for Kids
Here’s a list of trendy, fun, or playful Y words that kids will enjoy saying and using:
|
Cool & Fun Y Words |
Cool & Fun Y Words |
|
Yippee |
Yahoo |
|
Yonder |
Yowza |
|
Yodel |
Yay |
|
Yo-yo |
Yabba-dabba |
|
Yuck |
Yip |
|
Yow |
Yolo |
|
Yass |
Yum |
|
Yabba |
Yapper |
|
Yoink |
Yippee-ki-yay |
|
Yawn |
Yowser |
Y Words for Preschool & Kindergarten
Here are some easy-to-read, phonics-based Y words perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners:
|
Yes |
You |
|
Yum |
Yak |
|
Yard |
Yip |
|
Yay |
Yaw |
|
Yew |
Yo-yo |
Y Words for Class 1
Slightly more advanced words for Class 1 students:
|
Y Words |
Example Sentence |
|
Yawn |
I yawned because I was sleepy. |
|
Year |
My birthday comes once a year. |
|
Yellow |
The sun is bright yellow today. |
|
Young |
The puppy is very young. |
|
Yarn |
Grandma uses yarn to knit a scarf. |
|
Yard |
We played in the backyard yard. |
|
Yacht |
They sailed in a big yacht. |
|
Yogurt |
I like to eat strawberry yogurt. |
|
Yeast |
Yeast helps bread rise. |
|
Yell |
The coach told us not to yell too loud. |
Y Words for Class 2-3
These words help expand vocabulary and introduce meanings:
|
Y Words |
Meaning |
|
Yonder |
Far away or over there. |
|
Yield |
To give way or produce something. |
|
Yourself |
Referring to you personally. |
|
Yesterday |
The day before today. |
|
Youthful |
Full of energy and young spirit. |
|
Yearning |
A strong desire for something. |
|
Yesteryear |
Time in the past. |
|
Youngster |
A child or young person. |
|
Yowl |
A loud, long cry or howl. |
|
Yare |
Ready, prepared, or lively. |
Fun Activities for Kids to Learn Y Words
Learning words that start with Y can be both simple and enjoyable. Here are some fun and creative activities parents and teachers can try with kids to help them remember Y words easily.
1. Y Word Flashcards: Make colorful flashcards with Y words like Yak, Yarn, Yes, Yellow. Show each card and ask kids to say the word aloud or match it with a picture.
Tip: Use bright colors to highlight the letter Y in every word.
2. Y Craft Corner: Cut out a big letter Y from paper or cardboard. Let children paste pictures of things that start with Y such as Yogurt cup, Yo-yo, or Yarn ball. This combines creativity with learning.
3. Sing the "Y Song": Create a short and catchy song using Y words. Example: “Y is for Yes, Y is for You, Y is for Yellow and Yummy too!” Singing helps kids remember words through rhythm and repetition.
4. Yummy Y Hunt: Ask kids to find food items or pictures of foods starting with Y, like Yogurt, Yam, or Yeast bread. This is a fun sensory activity that connects vocabulary with real-life objects.
5. Story Time with Y Words: Read or make up a short story using Y words. Example: “Yesterday, young Yara played with her yellow yo-yo in the yard.” After reading, ask children to point out or repeat the Y words they heard.
6. Letter Y Treasure Hunt: Hide objects that start with Y around the room such as Yo-yo, Yarn, or Yellow toy. Give clues and let kids find them. This encourages observation skills and active learning.
7. Trace and Write Y Words: Provide tracing sheets with uppercase and lowercase Y. Add simple Y words like Yes, You, Yak, and Yum for early writing practice. This builds letter recognition and handwriting skills.


Learning Y words is a fun and exciting way for children to improve reading, speaking, and writing skills. With Y words, kids can say yes to new ideas, yawn less in class, and have yummy fun with language! Encourage children to explore more letters and words.
Related:
- Check out our blog on Words That Start with D.
- Check out our blog on Words That Start with K.
- Check out our blog on Words That Start With 'O' For Kids.
- Check out our blog on Complete List Of Words That Start With Q.
- Check out our blog on 100+ Words That Start with W for Kids.
FAQs
1. What are easy Y words for kids?
Yes, You, Yum, Yak, Yard, Yay, Yo-yo, Yip, Yew, Yawn.
2. What are positive Y words?
Youthful, Yielding, Yes-minded, Yearning, Yummy-natured, Young-at-heart, Yare (ready and lively), You-minded (considerate), Yeomanly (helpful), Yippee (joyful/excited).
3. What are 10 words using Y?
Yes, You, Yak, Yarn, Yawn, Yellow, Young, Yummy, Yesterday, Yo-yo.
4. What are things that start with Y?
Yarn, Yacht, Yo-yo, Yardstick, Yogurt, Yellow pencil, Yoga mat, Yule log, Yellow bag, Young plant.
5. What are 5-letter words that start with Y?
Young, Yearn, Yield, Yummy, Yacht, Yikes, Yodle, Yappy, Yulan, Yowza.
6. What are animals that start with Y?
Yak, Yellowfin tuna, Yorkshire terrier, Yabby, Yellowhammer, Yapok (water opossum), Yellow mongoose, Yellow tang, Yunnan golden monkey, Yaffle (bird).


























