aye

[ ahy ]

/ aɪ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for aye on Thesaurus.com

adverb

yes.

noun

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

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also ay .

Origin of aye

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aye

aye , eye, I

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aye in a sentence

Just after midnight, the vote won with 219 ayes, including an unexpected 49 Republicans and 170 Democrats.
House Passes Bill to End Medical Marijuana Raids by the DEA|Abby Haglage|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When the 12 anti-protest laws were voted on in Parliament, the Speaker even did not count the ayes.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Tenders Bloody Resignation|Oleg Shynkarenko|January 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the end, 217 Labour and 44 Liberal Democrats joined 126 Conservatives members of Parliament in the “ayes.”
British Conservatives: Out and Proud|Peter Jukes|February 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
To the general astonishment there were only one hundred and thirty-three Ayes to one hundred and eighty-nine Noes.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay

The "ayes" were overwhelming, and accompanied by such a clapping of hands that the President forgot to ask for the "noes."
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
The motion of Mr. Ewing prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, 11; Noes, 10.
A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention|Lucius Eugene Chittenden
The motion to adjourn was agreed to; ayes 17, noes 3, and the Conference adjourned.
A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention|Lucius Eugene Chittenden
In such cases the vote shall be taken by ayes and noes, and be entered upon the journal.
Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XXX|Joel Palmer

British Dictionary definitions for aye (1 of 2)

aye¹

ay

/ (aɪ) /

sentence substitute

yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice

aye aye

an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen
British an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc

noun

a person who votes in the affirmative
an affirmative vote

Compare nay

Word Origin for aye

C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent

British Dictionary definitions for aye (2 of 2)

aye²

/ (əɪ) /

adverb

Scot always; still

Word Origin for aye

Old Norse ei ever; Old English ā; compare Latin aevum an age, Greek aion aeon, aiei 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

aye

Origin of aye

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aye

Words related to aye

How to use aye in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for aye (1 of 2)

ay

Word Origin for aye

British Dictionary definitions for aye (2 of 2)

Word Origin for aye