aye

American  

[ahy] / aɪ /

adverb

1. yes.

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noun

• ayes
  plural

1. an affirmative vote or voter, especially in British Parliament, corresponding to yea in U.S. Congress.

aye ¹ British  

/ aɪ /

1. yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice

2. 1. an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen

   2. an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc

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noun

1. 1. a person who votes in the affirmative

   2. an affirmative vote

aye ² British  

/ əɪ /

adverb

1. always; still

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ayes
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of aye

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier spelling I, of uncertain origin

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

aye ayes

“But aye, at least FIFA’s holding some events. I mean, they should be free. But, I don’t know — that’s just FIFA.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026

Of the 199 aye votes, Democrats supplied 107 and Republicans 92.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 12, 2026

On one vote, Lindsey Graham, distracted in conversation with Cory Booker, voted aye when he meant to vote nay.

From Slate ● Apr. 19, 2024

“I ask to be recorded as voting in person on the three nominees considered earlier, Mr. Chairman, and I vote aye now,” she said.

From New York Times ● May 28, 2023

Escuse, aye juan tu fin amen namad Henry.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

The Self-Determination Act was passed with 374 ayes to 251 no's and 11 abstentions.

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2024

When the time came, the ayes loudly drowned out the noes.

From New York Times ● May 12, 2021

The ayes ticked up, from 245 to 248.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 3, 2019

Each member opposed it, whereupon Lincoln, who was for it, declared: “Seven nays, one aye: the ayes have it.”

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2016

The Chancellor said, There was a chorus of ayes from everyone but Hemme.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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