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

• all right
• alright
• aye
• ay
• exactly
• OK
• okay
• okeydoke
• okeydokey
• yea
• yeah
• yep
• yo

Noun

• affirmative
• 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

When asked about who voted yes during the town hall to approve Ellie’s idea for a group of people to go after Abby, Luna said that Tommy and Maria likely voted yes, with an unknown third person joining their camp. —Abigail Lee, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025

And the answer is, over time, that is going to be yes, American products are going to be better sold elsewhere in the world. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025

Noun

And then there is this meaningful subset — fans who will always be fans, and whose love for the team has the power to turn nos to yeses. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025

Implement the things that align with your true ‘yes,’ and be prepared to say no to what doesn’t. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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