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

For health systems and technology companies racing to build AI diagnostic tools, the split in the research points toward a design problem rather than a simple yes-or-no verdict on AI’s competence. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

The answer is yes, and the computer proved it, controversially, by checking 1,936 cases in a way no human could realistically verify. — Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026

Noun

The letter promised an additional $20 million in funds for countries that accept, which sound something like bribery, dare say flat-out payment for a yes vote. — Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Three yeses put you in the top-left, and the only exits are to build something non-reproducible or become essential plumbing, or the services wrapped around it. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 July 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