Collins English-English Dictionary

say [seɪ]

1. 1. vb [mainly tr] to speak, pronounce, or utter

2. 2. vb [also intr] to express (an idea) in words; tell

   we asked his opinion but he refused to say

3. 3. vb [also intr; may take a clause as object] to state (an opinion, fact, etc) positively; declare; affirm

4. 4. vb to recite

   to say grace

5. 5. vb [may take a clause as object] to report or allege

   they say we shall have rain today

6. 6. vb [may take a clause as object] to take as an assumption; suppose

   let us say that he is lying

7. 7. vb [may take a clause as object] to convey by means of artistic expression

   the artist in this painting is saying that we should look for hope

8. 8. vb to make a case for

   there is much to be said for either course of action

9. 9. vb [usually passive] [Irish] to persuade or coax (someone) to do something

   If I hadn't been said by her, I wouldn't be in this fix

10. 10. adv approximately

    there were, say, 20 people present

11. 11. adv for example

    choose a number, say, four

12. 12. n the right or chance to speak

    let him have his say

13. 13. n authority, esp to influence a decision

    he has a lot of say in the company's policy

14. 14. n a statement of opinion

    you've had your say, now let me have mine

15. 15. interj [US and Canadian] [informal] an exclamation to attract attention or express surprise, etc

16. 16. interj [Etymology] Old English secgan; related to Old Norse segja, Old Saxon seggian, Old High German sagen

say [seɪ]

1. 1. n [archaic] a type of fine woollen fabric

2. 2. n [Etymology] C13: from Old French saie, from Latin saga, plural of sagum a type of woollen cloak