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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

"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

verb

  1. to examine orally

"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
viva 2 British  
/ ˈviːvə /

interjection

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

"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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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