nay
Americanadverb
-
and not only so but; not only that but also; indeed.
many good, nay, noble qualities.
-
Archaic. no (used in dissent, denial, or refusal).
noun
-
a denial or refusal.
-
a negative vote or voter.
noun
adverb
Etymology
Origin of nay
1125–75; Middle English nai, nei < Old Norse nei no, contraction of ne not + ei ever; see na, ay 1
Explanation
A nay is a "no" or "negative" vote. If you vote nay during your club's vote, you are voting against the proposal. If your teacher holds a vote on whether to have a pizza party instead of a geometry quiz, it's unlikely anyone will vote nay. Long ago, the word nay was simply used as a substitute for "no," but it sounds odd today: "Nay, I don't need any ketchup with my fries." You can use it, however, to mean "this word is more appropriate," as when you say, "I'm upset, nay furious, that you forgot my birthday."
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.
While her affection for Kermit is true, the great joke of their affair is that he’s often portrayed as tolerating her instead of providing the full worship she demands – nay, deserves.
From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026
On Tuesday the House and Senate passed the Epstein files bill with only one nay vote.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025
It’s not easy, but it’s possible — nay, necessary.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025
On one vote, Lindsey Graham, distracted in conversation with Cory Booker, voted aye when he meant to vote nay.
From Slate • Apr. 19, 2024
“Nay, nay, you uns on’y get yer paws durted.”
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
