bay

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific area or space used for a particular purpose, like parking or storage.

n. a distinct compartment or recessed area within a larger structure, often defined by pillars or walls.

“The mechanic drove the car into the repair bay to check the engine.”

“The warehouse was divided into several loading bays to facilitate the simultaneous arrival of multiple freight trucks.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking

n. a tree with smooth, dark green leaves that are used in cooking to add flavour.

n. the Laurus nobilis tree, or its dried leaves used as a culinary herb.

“Add a bay leaf to the soup while it simmers for a better taste.”

“The recipe calls for two dried bay leaves, which should be removed before serving the stew to the guests.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary

n. the long, deep howling sound that a large dog makes, especially when hunting.

n. the deep, prolonged barking or howling of a hound, typically during a hunt.

“We could hear the distant bay of the hounds across the fields.”

“The eerie bay of the wolves echoed through the valley, signaling their proximity to the isolated campsite.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to bark or howl with a long, deep sound.

v. to utter a deep, prolonged bark; often used figuratively to describe a crowd shouting for someone's defeat.

“The dogs began to bay at the moon in the middle of the night.”

“The angry protesters began to bay for the minister's resignation as he exited the parliament building.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

adj. a reddish-brown colour, usually used to describe a horse with a black mane and tail.

adj. denoting a horse with a reddish-brown coat and black points (mane, tail, and lower legs).

“She rode a beautiful bay horse in the parade.”

“The stable specialized in breeding bay thoroughbreds, prized for their striking reddish coats and contrasting black manes.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. to keep something away or prevent it from causing problems.

n. used in the idiom 'at bay' to describe the state of being forced to face an attacker or keeping a problem at a distance.

“Regular exercise can help keep many health problems at bay.”

“The soldiers managed to hold the enemy forces at bay until reinforcements arrived at the break of dawn.”