aye

American  

[ahy] / aɪ /

adverb

1. yes.

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noun

1. an affirmative vote or voter, especially in British Parliament, corresponding to yea in U.S. Congress.

aye ¹ British  

/ aɪ /

1. yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice

2. 1. an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen

   2. an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc

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noun

1. 1. a person who votes in the affirmative

   2. an affirmative vote

aye ² British  

/ əɪ /

adverb

1. always; still

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Etymology

Origin of aye

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier spelling I, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Of the 199 aye votes, Democrats supplied 107 and Republicans 92.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

On one vote, Lindsey Graham, distracted in conversation with Cory Booker, voted aye when he meant to vote nay.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2024

As the government of former Prime Minister Theresa May buckled under the strains of Brexit, MPs briefly put their quarrels aside to partake in a unanimous cheer of "aye".

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2022

The aye: McKay learned the “I” formation from a young junior college coach: Don Coryell.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2021

He’d say, Och, aye, and go for a long walk.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt