# ait

/ˈeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ait
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a small island in a river that is covered with trees. It is a very old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: a small wooded island in a river. Primarily found in historical or literary contexts; the term is now largely archaic.

## Examples

- The boat passed a small ait in the middle of the river.
- The river's course was marked by several small aits, which provided shelter for the local wildlife.
- The poet described the river as a winding path that occasionally revealed a small ait, where the dense canopy of trees seemed to whisper secrets to the passing water.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.