Definition of "may" in English

verb

1. (obsolete, intransitive) To be strong; to have power (over).

2. (obsolete, auxiliary) To be able; can.

3. (intransitive, poetic) To be able to go.

4. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.

   • you may smoke outside
   • may I sit there?

5. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Granting the admissibility of a supposition, in a way that can be semantically either subjunctive or indicative.

6. (subjunctive present, defective, chiefly poetic) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).

   • may you win;  may the weather be sunny;  long may your reign last
   • Let us pray that peace may soon return to our war-torn homeland.

7. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.

noun

1. The hawthorn bush or its blossoms.

verb

1. (poetic, intransitive) To gather may, or flowers in general.

2. (poetic, intransitive) To celebrate May Day.

noun

1. (archaic) A maiden.