yay
1 Americaninterjection
adverb
interjection
Etymology
Origin of yay1
First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah
Origin of yay2
Probably < yea
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The circumstances suck, but, yay, it’s a fun ride.”
From Los Angeles Times
She was savvy enough to maintain what she called her “yay folder” in her former position.
People who make this a habit refer to the collection of accolades as a “brag binder,” “yay folder” or “smile file.”
I hadn't thought about it till it came out in the press, so yay, yay for me.
From Barron's
“Yay!” yips Birch, and they all start trotting down the hill toward the water.
From Literature
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.