yes

1 of 2

adverb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
But first, Dawgs will have to prove a number of requirements, including whether the misleading statements deceived or had the ability to deceive consumers, and, if yes, whether that deception had a material effect on consumer purchasing decisions. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, more Americans seem to be adopting a yes-in-my-backyard mentality as major tech firms turn to nuclear to power artificial intelligence data centers. Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Oct. 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of yes was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

yes

1 of 2 adverb
ˈyes How to pronounce yes (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on yes

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