Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An exclamation of applause or joy; a viva.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • interjection A cry wishing someone long life and prosperity.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Latin vīvat.

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Examples

  • Like all acclamations in frequent use it lost its primary meaning, and became a kind of vivat or hurrah of joy, triumph, and exultation.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

  • It was natural that Pavillon should desire to do the honours of his dwelling to the supposed envoy of Louis, and a halt before his house excited no surprise on the part of the multitude, who, on the contrary, greeted Meinheer Pavillon with a loud vivat [long live], as he ushered in his distinguished guest.

    Quentin Durward 2008

  • Studia literarum et animi perturbationes fugiat, et quantum potest jucunde vivat.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Seu ratio dederit, seu sors objecerit, illa contentus vivat, &c.Hor. 244.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Mulierum conditio misera; nullam honestam credunt nisi domo conclusa vivat.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Jupiter eftsoons coming by, put life to it, but Cura and Jupiter could not agree what name to give him, or who should own him; the matter was referred to Saturn as judge; he gave this arbitrement: his name shall be Homo ab humo, Cura eum possideat quamdiu vivat, Care shall have him whilst he lives, Jupiter his soul, and Tellus his body when he dies.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Civitas opulenta, dives, fecunda, in qua nemo vivat otiosus.

    A Philosophical Dictionary 2007

  • Some time later, Paul returned himself with a fresh surprise on hand; he was almost sober; nothing but a hazy eye distinguished him from Paul of the week days: vivat!

    Vailima Letters 2005

  • Rostov waved his cap above his head like the German and ctied laughing, “Und vivat die ganze Welt!”

    War and Peace 2003

  • Dic nunc quod soror mea sis, ut bene sit mihi propter to, et vivat anima mea propter to.

    Commentary on Genesis - Volume 1 1509-1564 1996

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  • "An exclamation of applause or joy; a viva."

    -- from the Century

    March 26, 2014