yes

1 of 2

adverb

ˈyes 

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

Synonyms

Adverb

• okay
• yeah
• OK
• alright

Noun

• affirmative

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 is yes, according to the two brands, who teamed up to create a fruity concoction with an unusual ingredient: The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie. —Erin Clements, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Even if the answer is not yes today, the emergence of frameworks like DiLoCoX should push AI infrastructure planning higher on the strategic agenda. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Noun

The board’s approval of the new curriculum Tuesday evening, with four yes votes and one abstention, could help close the book on a years-long controversy over the contents of the curriculum. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025

Comparing him to a country version of Christopher Cross, the judges doused Austin with praises — and more importantly, four yeses. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing yes

• say yes
• say yes to
• yes and no
• yes, indeed
• yes-man
• yes, thanks
• yes, yes

Rhymes for yes

• bless
• chess
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse

Kids Definition

yes

1 of 2 adverb

ˈyes 

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