aye

American  

[ahy] / aɪ /

adverb

1. yes.

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noun

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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Etymology

Origin of aye

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

Example Sentences

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

Labour's amendment went through to loud shouts of "aye" without a formal vote, after the government said it would not take part in protest.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2024

Aye all: No, to sleep, to dream, aye marry there it goes.

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2021

He’d say, Och, aye, and go for a long walk.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt