viva

¹ American  

[vee-vuh, vee-vah] / ˈvi və, ˈvi vɑ /

interjection

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

   Viva Zapata!

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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.

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viva ¹ British  

/ ˈvaɪvə /

noun

1. an oral examination

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verb

1. to examine orally

viva ² British  

/ ˈviːvə /

interjection

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

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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

Refining margins are likely to remain elevated for some time, benefiting Viva Energy, says Jefferies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Drone footage shows how widespread the fire was, with buildings spanning the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe on fire and thick black smoke billowing into the air.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

I’d rather order off a menu, but was more than happy with choices at Viva by Ray Garcia for lunch and Japanese restaurant Kusa Nori.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

But their singer, Satoshi, has a very strict routine, 30 seconds before he bursts onto the stage with his gregarious party anthem, Viva, Moldova!

From BBC • May 15, 2026

I was lying on my bunk when the call went round, /Viva Trujillo!

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