viva

1
[ vee-vuh; Italian, Spanish vee-vah ]

interjection
  1. Italian, Spanish. (an exclamation of acclaim or approval): Viva Zapata!

noun
  1. a shout of “viva.”

Origin of viva

1
First recorded in 1665–75; literally: “may (he) live!” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of Italian vivere, Spanish vivir, ultimately from Latin vīvere “to live”; see vital

Other definitions for viva (2 of 2)

viva2
[ vahy-vuh ]

noun
  1. (in British and European universities) an oral examination; viva voce.

Origin of viva

2
First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use viva in a sentence

  • A tumult of vivas broke from the excited throng who were on edge with unquiet expectation.

    The Royal Pawn of Venice | Mrs. Lawrence Turnbull
  • Another cheer and another followed,—ten thousand vivas rose amidst the crash of the band, as it broke into a patriotic war chant.

  • Advancing at a walk, they came forward amidst the vivas of the assembled thousands, burning with ardor and thirsting for victory.

  • In an instant Pepe did the same, and dashed in front of him, amid a fresh outburst of cheers and vivas.

    Some Heroes of Travel | W. H. Davenport Adams
  • Waving his hand, the young sailor pulled quickly out of the crowded little port, followed by a hundred vivas.

    The Wing-and-Wing | J. Fenimore Cooper

British Dictionary definitions for viva (1 of 2)

viva1

/ (ˈviːvə) /


interjection
  1. long live; up with (a specified person or thing)

Origin of viva

1
C17: from Italian, literally: may (he) live! from vivere to live, from Latin vīvere

British Dictionary definitions for viva (2 of 2)

viva2

/ (ˈvaɪvə) British /


noun
  1. an oral examination

verb-vas, -vaing or -vaed (tr)
  1. to examine orally

Origin of viva

2
shortened from viva voce

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012