yukon

IPA/ˈjuː.kɒn/
KK[jˈukˌɑn]IPA/ˈjuː.kɑːn/

yukon — noun

1. a region in northwestern Canada that lies west of the Northwest Territories and

1.nounB1
Definition

a region in northwestern Canada that lies west of the Northwest Territories and east of Alaska, with Whitehorse as its capital city

Example

The Yukon is known for its vast wilderness and extremely cold winters.

Rohan's family moved to the Yukon when he was twelve years old.

collocation: move to the Yukon

Common collocations
  • the Yukon
  • in the Yukon
  • Yukon government
  • Yukon wilderness

Usage Note

In official Canadian government use since 2003, the territory is simply called 'Yukon' without 'Territory'. However, the phrase 'the Yukon' is still common in everyday speech.

2. a long river that flows through the Canadian territory of Yukon and across the U

2.nounB1
Definition

a long river that flows through the Canadian territory of Yukon and across the US state of Alaska before emptying into the Bering Sea

Example

The Yukon River flows nearly two thousand miles from Canada to Alaska.

During the gold rush, thousands traveled up the Yukon River by boat.

historical context: the gold rush

Common collocations
  • the Yukon River
  • along the Yukon
  • up the Yukon
  • Yukon River valley

Usage Note

The river name almost always appears with the definite article: 'the Yukon' or 'the Yukon River'. Dropping 'the' is unusual in standard English.

Word family

  • Yukoner
    nounB2

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the Yukon
  • Yukon River
  • Yukon Territory

Prepositions

Etymology

Gwich'inEnglish

The name 'Yukon' comes from the Gwich'in language spoken by the Indigenous people of the region. In Gwich'in, 'yu-kun-ah' or 'chųų gąįiį' means 'great river', referring to the Yukon River that runs through the territory.