This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
ay
1[ ey ]
/ eɪ /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of ay
adverb Archaic.
ever; always.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 8
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Also aye .
Origin of ay
11150–1200; Middle English ei, ai<Scandinavian; compare Old Norse ei, cognate with Old English ā ever
Words nearby ay
axoplasmic transport, axosomatic, axseed, ax to grind, Axum, ay, Ayacucho, ayah, ayahuasca, Ayana, Ayande
Other definitions for ay (2 of 2)
ay2
[ ey ]
/ eɪ /
interjection Archaic.
(used to express regret or sorrow.)
Origin of ay
2Middle English word dating back to 1300–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use ay in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ay (1 of 3)
ay1
/ (eɪ) /
adverb
archaic, poetic ever; always
Word Origin for ay
C12 ai, from Old Norse ei; related to Old English ā always, Latin aevum an age, Greek aiōn
British Dictionary definitions for ay (2 of 3)
ay2
aye
/ (eɪ) /
interjection
archaic, poetic an expression of misery or surprise
Word Origin for ay
C14 ey: from an involuntary cry of surprise
British Dictionary definitions for ay (3 of 3)
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