my

¹

[mahy]

pronoun

1. (a form of the possessive case of I used as an attributive adjective).

   My soup is cold.

interjection

1. Also (used as an exclamation of mild surprise or dismay).

   My, what a big house this is! My-my, how old he looks!

my-

²

1. variant of myo- before some vowels.

   myalgia.

my

¹

/ maɪ /

determiner

1. of, belonging to, or associated with the speaker or writer (me)

   my own ideas

   do you mind my smoking?

2. used in various forms of address

   my lord

   my dear boy

3. used in various exclamations

   my goodness!

interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc

   my, how you've grown!

MY

²

abbreviation

1. motor yacht

my

³

abbreviation

1. Malaysia

my-

⁴

combining form

1. a variant of myo-

Grammar Note

See me.

Word History and Origins

Origin of my¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English mī, variant of mīn, Old English mīn; mine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of my¹

C12 mī, variant of Old English mīn when preceding a word beginning with a consonant

Example Sentences

“He was learning all these traditional Appalachian instruments, and I said, ‘That’s awesome because my house is set in the Dust Bowl.’”

From Los Angeles Times

“I feel kind of defensive right now, more so a test of my character, like I’m going to willingly do that,” Trammell said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I allowed myself to lose my pack,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Oh, my God, this is so hard — I can’t take another step.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s so crazy to have that experience where I’m now that person and there might be a kid somewhere who’s like ‘Oh, my God, I see myself you.’

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does my- mean?

My- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “muscle.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.My- comes from the Greek mŷs, meaning “muscle” and “mouse.” Mouse? You read that right. Discover why at our entry for muscle!My- is a variant of myo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use myo- article.