yay

¹ American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

interjection

Informal.

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

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yay ² American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

Or yea

adverb

Informal.

1. to the extent, amount, etc., indicated.

   The doll is about yay high.

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yay British  

/ jeɪ /

interjection

1. informal an exclamation indicating approval, congratulation, or triumph

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Etymology

Origin of yay¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah

Origin of yay²

Probably < yea

Example Sentences

Ordinarily, this honor probably would pass without a thought beyond, "Yay."

From Salon • Jul. 18, 2024

Sharing that connection through comedy is what Park wants to accomplish with his Yay!

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2023

Yay for building intentional communities with chosen family.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2023

This month, Ms. Radi Ohm, protected by members of the People’s Defense Force, slipped into the forest to give basic medical care to the residents of Yay Shin and other Kalay villages.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2021

Sorry my mom came in and I was talking to her. autumnlands: Yay!

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner