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ay

1 American  
[ey] / eɪ /

adverb

Archaic.
  1. ever; always.


ay 2 American  
[ey] / eɪ /

interjection

Archaic.
  1. (used to express regret or sorrow.)


ay 1 British  
/ eɪ /

adverb

  1. archaic ever; always

"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

ay 2 British  
/ eɪ /

interjection

  1. archaic an expression of misery or surprise

"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

ay 3 British  
/ aɪ /
  1. a variant spelling of aye 1

"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

Etymology

Origin of ay1

1150–1200; Middle English ei, ai < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse ei, cognate with Old English ā ever

Origin of ay2

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The novel's adaptation for the small screen by the Istanbul-based production company Ay Yapım is a reflection of the rude health of Turkey's film industry.

From Barron's

“Ay nt.! My Togbe was most at home on the water. It kept him strong. He taught me more about it than anyone else!”

From Literature

Ay, you who are elegant and beautiful .

From Literature

“Ay, Elena, I would have been fine,” Tía Beatriz told Natalie’s mother.

From Literature

He has worked with other more prominent artists and appeared on a track, “Ay Caramba.”

From Los Angeles Times