may

Definitions

1. verb

   To be allowed to do something, used to give permission or ask politely.

   Examples

   • You may smoke outside.
   • May I sit here?
   ≈can≈could≈might
2. verb

   Used to say that something is possible.

   Examples

   • He may be lying.
   • The cat may or may not be in the box.
   ≈could≈might
3. verb

   Used to make a question or remark more polite.

   Examples

   • May I ask what brings you here today?
   • How old may she be, you ask?
4. verb

   Used to express a wish.

   Examples

   • May you win the game!
   • May the weather be sunny tomorrow.
   ≈might
5. verb

   Used to admit something is true, before saying but.

   Examples

   • You may be my boss, but that doesn't mean you can insult me.
   • He may have left, but he's still in our hearts.
   ≈might
6. verb

   To be able to, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • You may leave whenever you are ready.
   • We give way to passions we may resist.
7. verb

   To be able to go, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • I hope that I may go home before dark.
   • He hoped he might go home before dark.
8. verb

   To have power or strength, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • No army may against such odds.
   • Nothing may against the will of the people.
9. verb

   To gather spring flowers, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • The children went out maying on the first of May.
   • Lovers wander in the green valleys, maying.
10. noun

    A hawthorn bush or its white flowers.

    Examples

    • The hedgerow was thick with may in early spring.
    • The hillside was white with may.