bays
|bay|
/beɪz/
(bay)
inlet or howl
Etymology
'bay' (sense: inlet) originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baee' (Modern French 'baie'), where it meant 'inlet, opening'.
'bay' changed from Old French 'baee' into Middle English forms like 'bai(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'bay'.
Initially, it primarily meant 'a broad inlet of the sea'; over time the form extended to related senses (color, animals) and other homographs with distinct origins kept separate meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of bay: a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; a sheltered coastal indentation.
The island's bays provide sheltered anchorages for small boats.
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Noun 2
plural of bay (horse): horses of a reddish-brown body color with black mane, tail, and lower legs.
Several bays were entered in the show ring this afternoon.
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Noun 3
plural of bay: bay trees or bay leaves (the laurel species used for seasoning or ornament).
He dried several bays for use in winter stews.
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Verb 1
third-person singular of bay (of a dog or hound): to bark or howl loudly, often while pursuing or detecting scent.
The hounds bays at the scent as they follow the trail.
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Last updated: 2026/01/02 10:41