; present singular and plural may
Jessica Mitford
Robert Frost
C. E. Silberman
Nelson Bryant
Can vs. May: Usage Guide
Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in uses indicating possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's compliance, they have also become interchangeable in the sense that means "to have permission." The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts.
Cite this Entry
“May.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/may. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
may
1 of 2 helping verbMay
2 of 2 nounNoun
from Middle English May (fifth month), from early French mai (same meaning), from Latin Maius, originally, "third month," from Maia "Roman goddess of spring"
Biographical Definition
May
