yay

[ yey ]

/ yeɪ /

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interjection Informal.

(an exclamation used to express joy, excitement, etc.)

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

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Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

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Origin of yay

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah

Words nearby yay

yawny, yawp, yaws, Yaxchilán, y-axis, yay, Yayoi, yazata, Yazd, Yazidi, Yazoo

Other definitions for yay (2 of 2)

yay²

or yea

[ yey ]

/ yeɪ /

adverb Informal.

to the extent, amount, etc., indicated: The doll is about yay high.

Origin of yay

Probably <yea

How to use yay in a sentence

AOC’s red-carpet appearance received a healthy mix of yay and nay votes from commentators on all sides.
The Democrat, the Designer, and the Dress: All Votes Are Not Created Equal|Truthbetold|November 2, 2021|TruthBeTold.news
When Japan scored a point there were moans and a long wailing cry of E-yay.
How to Hide a Famine with Ping-Pong|Nicholas Griffin|January 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Yay Haley for quick thinking and Bronagh for quick status updating!
A Tale of Thanksgiving Triumph|Michael Daly|November 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But for The Hangover Part III, basically Todd just emailed me and said I was in it, and I was like, “Yay!”
Heather Graham on ‘The Hangover Part III,’ Roles for Women, and More|Marlow Stern|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Furthermore, Ryan did not need to vote yay even if he did want the bill to pass, since the measure had plenty of votes to spare.
Paul Ryan Really Wants to Be President|Justin Green|January 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If we did this, the policy costs for likely criminals would go up--yay!
Should People Be Forced to Buy Liability Insurance for their Guns?|Megan McArdle|December 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
"Yay; I hear both on ye," said the gentle old mother with a half smile.
Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science|Various
As he lifted his foot to take the last step he closed his eyes, as the yay had bidden him.
The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony|Washington Matthews
At the bottom of the valley they came to a great hole in the ground; the yay pointed in and again led the way.
The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony|Washington Matthews
Then the yay showed him the shortest road to take and bade him return to his people.
The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony|Washington Matthews
In the northeast is seen the yay, Niltci, who accompanied the Navajo prophet to the home of the snakes.
The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony|Washington Matthews

British Dictionary definitions for yay

yay

/ (jeɪ) /

interjection

informal an exclamation indicating approval, congratulation, or triumph

Word Origin for yay

C20: perhaps from yeah

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

yay

Origin of yay

Words nearby yay

Other definitions for yay (2 of 2)

or yea

Origin of yay

Words related to yay

How to use yay in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for yay

Word Origin for yay