my

¹ American  

[mahy] / maɪ /

pronoun

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

   My soup is cold.

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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 American  

1. variant of myo- before some vowels.

   myalgia.

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my ¹ British  

/ 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!

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interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc

   my, how you've grown!

MY ² British  

abbreviation

1. motor yacht

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my ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Malaysia

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my- ⁴ British  

combining form

1. a variant of myo-

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Grammar

See me.

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of my

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

Example Sentences

“But in many ways, I think it was inspired by this dark period in my life.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“This is about to change my whole life,” wrote Attica Locke.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“I’m keeping Cerina and Justin Fairfax’s children in my prayers as we all process this shocking and horrifying news,” he said in a post on social media.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

Many of my patients are older and highly educated, typically in the fields of law, education, and economics, given our location.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

I approach, mindful of my footsteps, pause—her shoes between us—and make a half-hearted attempt to bend down and offer the meal.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith