Bay

Broad inlet between headlands, typically flooded by the sea.

inlet bay area

A bay is a broad inlet or recess between headlands, typically flooded by the sea and often partially enclosed by land. Bays are commonly found along coastlines and can vary greatly in size.

Pronunciation

/beɪ/

Etymology

From Old French bai 'opening in the land,' from Vulgar Latin *baiāria* 'bay, opening,' from Latin *baia* 'bay of Naples'.

Explain Like I’m 5

A bay is like a cozy, curved-out area of land that reaches into the sea or ocean.

Fun Facts

The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world
Many bays are popular tourist destinations, known for their scenic beauty
Some bays have unique ecosystems and diverse marine life

FAQ

What is a bay? A broad inlet between headlands, typically flooded by the sea
How does a bay differ from a gulf? Bays are generally smaller than gulfs
Can bays be found on lakes? Yes, bays can also exist on large lakes

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

cove gulf inlet

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

body of water coastal landform

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

fjord lagoon estuary

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

coastline sea

Indexes

body of water geographical feature natural object

Built by Tim Jones