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
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
Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2025
Hamm visited Nichols during an earlier stage of his recovery, when Nichols was able to respond to yes-or-no questions using hand gestures.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
The ‘yes’ campaign is being run through Newsom’s ballot measure committee, which the governor jump-started with a $2 million transfer from his gubernatorial campaign account.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
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Adverb
If yes, scroll onward for eight bomber jacket outfits to help get your wheels turning.
—Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2025
Hamm visited Nichols during an earlier stage of his recovery, when Nichols was able to respond to yes-or-no questions using hand gestures.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
Its message, in short, was something of a yes.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
The ‘yes’ campaign is being run through Newsom’s ballot measure committee, which the governor jump-started with a $2 million transfer from his gubernatorial campaign account.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
Cite this Entry
“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 nounˈyes
: a positive reply
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