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 of yes

Adverb

• yeah
• OK
• alright

Noun

• affirmative

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

His answer was yes, but that current accounts are most informative when read alongside gross capital flows, currency exposures, leverage, and the composition of external assets and liabilities. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

The short answer is yes, but there is a right way to freeze the fruit and use it afterward. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026

Noun

The answer has been a resounding yes. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026

After receiving four yeses from the judges, the musician rocketed to the top of the talent show competition, placing third behind acrobatic group Zurcaroh and magician Shin Lim. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 8 May 2026

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