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Definition of yay

yay

/ˈjeɪ/
yay
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yay Lexical Profile

yay Game Scores & Validity

• interjection

1

Used as an informal exclamation to express joy, approval, excitement, triumph, or encouragement.

Example

"Yay! We finally finished our group project ahead of the deadline!"

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

To this specified extent or degree; so (informal variant of 'yea', typically accompanied by a hand gesture indicating size or height).

Example

"We caught a trout that was about yay long during our fishing trip."

Synonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with the homophone 'yea' (meaning 'yes', used in formal voting, or as the traditional spelling for the adverb meaning 'to this extent'). 'Yay' is strictly an exclamation of triumph or joy, though it is also frequently used as an informal variant spelling of 'yea' in phrases like 'yay big'.

• Rhymes for yay

• Nearby Words

yawner
yawning
yawny
yay
yazd
ye
yea

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-20th century as a natural, expressive vocalization of joy, or possibly altered from the older affirmation 'yea'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Yay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/yay
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