# cay

/ˈkeɪ/ (US) · /kˈeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cay
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a small island made of sand and coral. You usually find these in the Caribbean or the Bahamas.

For teachers: a small, low island formed from sand and coral debris. Primarily found in the Caribbean and the Bahamas; often used in the context of the Florida Keys.

## Examples

- The boat anchored near a small cay in the ocean.
- During our trip to the Bahamas, we spent the afternoon swimming around a tiny cay covered in palm trees.
- The archipelago consists of numerous cays that rise barely above sea level, serving as vital nesting grounds for various seabird species and providing a unique habitat for local flora.

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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.