name
Yamato
yah-MAH-toh
name
1
A historical name for Japan, especially referring to the ancient Yamato court that once ruled the country.
"Historians trace the unification of Japan back to the Yamato period."
noun
1
A member of the dominant Japanese ethnic group, as distinct from groups such as the Ainu or Ryukyuan peoples.
"The census distinguishes Yamato Japanese from other ethnic groups in the country."
2
One of a class of massive Japanese battleships built during the Second World War, including the lead ship Yamato.
"The Yamato was one of the largest battleships ever built."
How to Use Yamato
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA name tied to ancient and ethnic Japan, and also famous WWII-era battleships.
Word Forms
Yamatos plural, Yamato plural
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Etymology
From Japanese 大和 (Yamato), likely connected to 山 (yama, "mountain"), reflecting the mountainous province where the ancient Japanese state first formed.