my

¹ American  

[mahy] / maɪ /

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 American  

1. variant of myo- before some vowels.

   myalgia.

---

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!

---

interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc

   my, how you've grown!

MY ² British  

abbreviation

1. motor yacht

---

my ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Malaysia

---

my- ⁴ British  

combining form

1. a variant of myo-

---

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

Behold, the most beautiful big car I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I’ve laid my eyes on plenty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“It’s my responsibility to be a steward of the brand and set it up for the next person,” McAlear said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“I pointed to the ground and was saying, ‘This is my field.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"If I could be given land to farm today, land where I and my children can work, I would be truly grateful," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But I’d been so in my head, I’m not sure I actually heard any of it.

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