Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

I say

idiom

Definition of I say

British, old-fashioned
1 —used to express surprise, shock, etc.
  • I say! Isn't that your friend over there?
  • I say! That's a wonderful idea.
2 —used to attract the attention of someone
  • I say (there). Can you help me?

Word by Word Definitions

i play

  1. : the 9th letter of the English alphabet

  2. : a graphic representation of this letter

  3. : a speech counterpart of orthographic i

  1. imaginary unit

  1. : the one who is speaking or writing — compare me, mine, my, we

  1. : someone aware of possessing a personal individuality : self

  1. iodine

  1. used as a connective vowel to join word elements especially of Latin origin

See the full definition of i
say play

  1. : to express in words : state

  2. : to state as opinion or belief : declare

  3. : utter, pronounce

  1. : something that is said : statement

  2. : an expression of opinion

  3. : a right or power to influence action or decision

  1. : about, approximately

  2. : for example : as

See the full definition of say

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up I say? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games