yay

¹ American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

interjection

Informal.

1. (an exclamation used to express joy, excitement, etc.)

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yay ² American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

Or yea

adverb

Informal.

1. to the extent, amount, etc., indicated.

   The doll is about yay high.

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yay British  

/ jeɪ /

interjection

1. informal an exclamation indicating approval, congratulation, or triumph

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Etymology

Origin of yay¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah

Origin of yay²

Probably < yea

Example Sentences

Proceeds from the show will support the Yay!

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2023

Yay for building intentional communities with chosen family.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2023

Oftentimes, just they're being supportive as in, "Yay, go Paulina. I'm proud of you. You're doing great. Your picture is beautiful. Can't wait to buy your book."

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2022

Nearly everyone who lived in Yay Shin is now camped out in a forest valley rife with poisonous snakes, malaria and dengue, children whimpering from hunger and the damp cold.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2021

Sorry my mom came in and I was talking to her. autumnlands: Yay!

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner