may Meaning, Definition & Pronunciation (//meɪ//)

Meaning

Used to express possibility, permission, or uncertainty; also the name of the fifth month of the year.

You may leave early if you finish your work.

come what may

might, perhaps, can, possibility

cannot, must not

may occur, may happen, may I, month of May

Ma'am, may I be excused? I need to use the toilet.

Ma'am, may I be excused? I need to use the washroom.

Ma'am, may I be excused? I need to use the restroom.

It was great talking to you. May I have your number?

It was great talking to you. May I have your Facebook ID?

It was great talking to you. May I have your email address?

It was great talking to you. May I have your Instagram handle?

At first I thought it went well, but now that I've had some time to think about it, maybe it wasn't that great after all.

Ma'am, all the students are earnestly requesting that the report be postponed. May we have a 2-day deadline extension please?

Ma'am, all the students are earnestly requesting that the presentation be postponed. May we have a 2-day deadline extension please?