1 C1 idiomatic informal
To tell stories or anecdotes at length, especially in an entertaining but long-winded way.
"Grandpa would yarn on all evening about his time at sea if you let him."
inseparable
yarn on
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To tell stories or chat at length, often in an informal, anecdotal, or entertaining way.
In plain English
To tell lots of stories and talk on and on, in the way people do around a campfire.
What does "yarn on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Comes from the noun 'yarn' meaning a long story or tale. Common in Australian and British English. Can be affectionate (a good storyteller who goes on too long) or mildly dismissive. Less widely used than 'yak on' or 'ramble on'.
Words that pair with "yarn on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stories tales all night endlessly campfire hours
How to conjugate "yarn on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
yarn on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
yarns on
he/she/it
Past simple
yarned on
yesterday
Past participle
yarned on
have + pp
-ing form
yarning on
continuous
Hear "yarn on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "yarn on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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