Unyoke: meaning, definitions and examples

animal husbandry

To unyoke means to detach or remove a yoke from an animal, typically an ox or a horse. The yoke is a wooden beam used to join a pair of animals together, allowing them to pull heavy loads. Unyoking is thus an important process when the work is done or if the animals need rest. It symbolizes freedom for the animals from labor. This action is common in farming communities where draft animals are used.

detach, remove, take off

Examples of usage

• After a long day plowing, the farmer decided to unyoke the oxen.

• The handler carefully unyoked the horses from the carriage.

• Once the team of mules had finished their work, they were unyoked for the night.