yes

1 of 2

adverb

1
used as a function word to express assent or agreement
are you ready? Yes, I am
2
used as a function word usually to introduce correction or contradiction of a negative assertion or direction
don't say that! Yes, I will
3
used as a function word to introduce a more emphatic or explicit phrase
4
used as a function word to indicate uncertainty or polite interest or attentiveness

yes

2 of 2

noun

plural yeses also yesses
: an affirmative reply : yea

Examples of yes in a Sentence

Adverb yes, I'll be ready for the test tomorrow Noun We need a yes to go ahead with the project. She answered all the questions with yeses and nos.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
The answer was yes, despite the Chiefs scoring only three points in the first half. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2024 The answer is yes, according to observational research that examined the brains of 586 people during autopsies and compared the findings with up to 24 years of data on their lifestyles. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024 The short answer is yes, melatonin overdose can happen. Korin Miller, Health, 22 Dec. 2023 According to a report by the German magazine Kicker, the vote to reach a two-thirds majority was very tight, with 24 of the 36 clubs voting yes, 10 voting no, and two abstaining. Manuel Veth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 As yes, the two dogs who play Colin are exceptional. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023 While levels vary across homes, scientific research shows that the simple answer is yes—especially in smaller homes and when ventilation is inadequate. The Conversation, Ars Technica, 4 Nov. 2023 The answer, of course, is yes, bears most certainly do poop in the woods. Steven Hill, Field & Stream, 29 Nov. 2023 The board defeated Ramirez’s resolution last week with 6 members voting yes, 11 voting no and 9 abstaining. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2023
Noun
Liberal Democrats, too, are opposed to the measure — a rare issue in these highly polarized times that attracts yes votes and no votes from Republicans and Democrats alike. Brian Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 What do a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ vote mean on the stadium tax question? Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 Donald Trump may have snagged a Ron DeSantis endorsement this weekend, but Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the former GOP presidential candidate, got a yes from Mindy. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2024 When Citron attempted to answer, Graham asked him for a yes or no answer. Kylie Robison, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2024 Hispanic voters are no longer an automatic yes for the Democratic Party. ABC News, 7 Jan. 2024 Bishop’s transfer, a ‘yes coach, no coach’ kid, keys Tigers’ smothering attack Facebook Show more sharing options Morse High School has a rich tradition in boys basketball. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2024 Albright asked if that sentiment was unanimous, prompting a wave of yeses. Cezary Podkul, ProPublica, 12 Dec. 2023 Stefanik pressed Gay, asking her to give a yes or no answer to her original question. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yes.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English gēse

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yes was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near yes

Cite this Entry

“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

yes

1 of 2 adverb
ˈyes How to pronounce yes (audio)
ˈyeu̇,
ˈe-(y)ə,
 are three of many variants 
1
used to express agreement
are you ready? Yes, I am
2
used to correct or contradict what another has said
don't say that! Yes, I will
3
used to introduce a phrase with greater force or clearness
we are glad, yes, very glad to see you
4
used to show interest or attention
yes, what is it you want

yes

2 of 2 noun
ˈyes
: a positive reply

More from Merriam-Webster on yes

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