viva

¹ American  

[vee-vuh, vee-vah] / ˈvi və, ˈvi vɑ /

interjection

1. Italian, Spanish. (an exclamation of acclaim or approval).

   Viva Zapata!

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noun

1. a shout of “viva.”

viva ² American  

[vahy-vuh] / ˈvaɪ və /

noun

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

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viva ¹ British  

/ ˈvaɪvə /

noun

1. an oral examination

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verb

1. to examine orally

viva ² British  

/ ˈviːvə /

interjection

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

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Etymology

Origin of viva¹

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

Origin of viva²

First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form

Example Sentences

I joined in, of course-shouting "Viva México!" with everyone else, even though our team had already been knocked out of the tournament.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

But their singer, Satoshi, has a very strict routine, 30 seconds before he bursts onto the stage with his gregarious party anthem, Viva, Moldova!

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Find insight on oil futures, Viva Energy, and more in the latest Market Talks covering energy and utilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Viva Energy said diesel and jet production is currently at 80% of capacity, with gasoline at 60%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“They should do it. If Millie and Amanda want to enter the pageant with you, they should. Viva la revolution and all that.”

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy