viva

¹

[ vee-vuh; Italian, Spanish vee-vah ]

interjection

1. Italian, Spanish. (an exclamation of acclaim or approval):

   Viva Zapata!

noun

1. a shout of “viva.”

viva

²

[ vahy-vuh ]

noun

1. (in British and European universities) an oral examination; viva voce.

viva

¹

/ ˈvaɪvə /

noun

1. an oral examination

verb

1. to examine orally

viva

²

/ ˈviːvə /

interjection

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

Word History and Origins

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”; vital

Origin of viva²

First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form

Word History and Origins

Origin of viva¹

shortened from viva voce

Origin of viva²

C17: from Italian, literally: may (he) live! from vivere to live, from Latin vīvere

Example Sentences

“That’s, uh, not planned,” the “Viva la Vida” singer remarked as he readjusted his mic pack and climbed back onto the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

She shimmied on ABC’s musical showcase “Shindig!” in the mid-1960s and danced in nine Presley movies, including “Viva Las Vegas.”

From Los Angeles Times

The only election reminder was a “Viva Trump” sign outside Victorville.

From Los Angeles Times

The only election reminder was a “Viva Trump” sign outside Victorville.

From Los Angeles Times

The trip was uneventful save for a small red sign on a wire fence outside Victorville that proclaimed “Viva Trump.”

From Los Angeles Times