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”; see vital

Origin of viva²

First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form

Example Sentences

I joined in, of course-shouting "Viva México!" with everyone else, even though our team had already been knocked out of the tournament.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

As the title suggests, Viva, Moldova! is full of pride and patriotism – written to mark the 35th anniversary of independence.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Find insight on oil futures, Viva Energy, and more in the latest Market Talks covering energy and utilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Viva Energy has been on a trading halt since the fire broke out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Then everyone was beating on the bars, calling out, /Viva la Mariposa!

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez