# Bays

/ˈbeɪz/ (US) · /bˈeɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bays
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small area of water connected to the sea, with land on three sides. Ships often stop here because the water is calm.

For teachers: an indentation of a coastline where the sea extends inland, partially enclosed by land. Typically used in the plural to refer to specific geographic features.

## Examples

- The boat is safe in the bays.
- Tourists love the calm bays for swimming and sailing.
- The rugged coastline features deep bays that provide natural harbors for fishing vessels.

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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.