yay

¹

[ yey ]

interjection

, Informal.

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

yay

²

or yea

[ yey ]

adverb

, Informal.

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

   The doll is about yay high.

yay

/ jeɪ /

interjection

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of yay¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah

Origin of yay²

Probably < yea

Word History and Origins

Origin of yay¹

C20: perhaps from yeah

Example Sentences

AOC’s red-carpet appearance received a healthy mix of yay and nay votes from commentators on all sides.

From TruthBeTold.news

When Japan scored a point there were moans and a long wailing cry of E-yay.

From The Daily Beast

Yay Haley for quick thinking and Bronagh for quick status updating!

From The Daily Beast

But for The Hangover Part III, basically Todd just emailed me and said I was in it, and I was like, “Yay!”

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

If we did this, the policy costs for likely criminals would go up--yay!

From The Daily Beast

"Yay; I hear both on ye," said the gentle old mother with a half smile.

From Project Gutenberg

As he lifted his foot to take the last step he closed his eyes, as the yay had bidden him.

From Project Gutenberg

At the bottom of the valley they came to a great hole in the ground; the yay pointed in and again led the way.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the yay showed him the shortest road to take and bade him return to his people.

From Project Gutenberg

In the northeast is seen the yay, Niltci, who accompanied the Navajo prophet to the home of the snakes.

From Project Gutenberg