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

• okay
• 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

The simple answer is yes, with some important exceptions. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025

The short answer is yes, according to auto mechanic (of 57 years) and popular automotive YouTuber Scotty Kilmer. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Noun

Decisionmaking power Though the four-day school week is renewed in 10-year increments, a yes vote won’t necessarily lock the schedule in place for a decade. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

The first flier urges a yes vote for a special 10-year school district property tax levy. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 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