ay

interjection

ˈī

Synonyms of ay next

next

—usually used with following me to express sorrow or regret

Examples of ay in a Sentence

ay me, we are doomed to listen to that noise all night!

Word History

Etymology

Middle French aymi ay me

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ay was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ay. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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