bay
UK: beɪ | US: beɪ
n. a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward
n. a compartment for a ship in a dock or harbor
n. a color resembling reddish-brown (e.g., "a bay horse")
v. (of a dog) bark or howl loudly and persistently
The word "bay" has two distinct origins. The first traces back to Old French baie, meaning "inlet" or "harbor," derived from Late Latin baia. This evolved into the geographical and nautical senses. The second origin comes from Old French bayer ("to bark"), giving rise to the verb meaning a dog's loud barking. The color sense likely stems from the reddish-brown hue of bay leaves or horses.
The ship anchored in the sheltered bay.
The bay was bustling with fishing boats.
She rode a majestic bay horse through the fields.
The hounds began to bay at the scent of the fox.
The old dock had several empty bays for repairs.