beɪ
beɪ
1 [countable] a part of the sea, or of a large lake, partly surrounded by a wide curve of the landthe Bay of BengalHudson Baya magnificent view across the bay 2 [countable] a marked section of ground either inside or outside a building, for example for a vehicle to park in, for storing things, etca parking/loading bayPut the equipment in No 3 bay. see also sickbay3 [countable] a curved area of a room or building that sticks out from the rest of the building4 [countable] a horse of a dark brown colourHe was riding a big bay.5 [countable] a deep noise, especially the noise made by dogs when hunting6 (also sweet bay) [countable] = bay tree7 [uncountable] a herb used to give flavour to food, made of the leaves of the bay treeIdioms
at bay
when an animal that is being hunted is at bay, it must turn and face the dogs and hunters because it is impossible to escape from them
hold/keep somebody/something at bay
to prevent an enemy from coming close or a problem from having a bad effect
Synonym
ward offI'm trying to keep my creditors at bay.Charlotte bit her lip to hold the tears at bay.