viva

¹ American  

[vee-vuh, vee-vah] / ˈvi və, ˈvi vɑ /

interjection

1. Italian, Spanish. (an exclamation of acclaim or approval).

   Viva Zapata!

---

noun

1. a shout of “viva.”

viva ² American  

[vahy-vuh] / ˈvaɪ və /

noun

1. (in British and European universities) an oral examination; viva voce.

---

viva ¹ British  

/ ˈvaɪvə /

noun

1. an oral examination

---

verb

1. to examine orally

viva ² British  

/ ˈviːvə /

interjection

1. long live; up with (a specified person or thing)

---

Etymology

Origin of viva¹

First recorded in 1665–75; literally: “may (he) live!” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of Italian vivere, Spanish vivir, ultimately from Latin vīvere “to live”; vital

Origin of viva²

First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form

Example Sentences

They both smiled, and Wright said in Spanish: “Que viva Venezuela y viva los Estados Unidos.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

The Bayern Leverkusen forward condemned security forces in an Instagram story, saying: "Shame on you for easily killing the people and viva women of Iran. Long live Iranian women!"

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2022

Then she invoked the most Colombian of phrases, as the crowd exploded in cheers: “Que viva la berraquera, carajo!”

From New York Times • May 6, 2022

Tras desatar una antigua guerra, el codicioso guerrero Thor es desterrado a la Tierra por su padre para que viva entre los hombres y descubra así el verdadero sentido de la humildad.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2019

A smattering of voices croaked feebly: “Que viva Snuffy!”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols