bay

1 noun (C)

1 SEA an area of the sea that curves inwards towards the land: I had a view across the bay to white sand and pine trees. | Montego Bay

2 keep/hold sth at bay to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening or from coming too close: The growling of dogs held the strangers at bay. | Economic collapse was held at bay by aid from Russia.

3 AREA an area within a large room that is separated by shelves, walls etc: bays in a library

4 VEHICLE a place where a vehicle can park for a short time: The bus will depart from bay 3. | a loading bay

5 TREE also bay tree a tree that has leaves which smell sweet and are often used in cooking

6 HORSE a horse that is a reddish brown colour

2 verb (I)

1 if a dog bays, it makes a long high noise, especially when it is chasing something: the baying of the hounds

2 to make strong demands to get answers to questions or force someone to give you something

(+ for): a pack of tabloid reporters baying for blood | younger men baying at his heels 3 adjective a bay horse is a reddish-brown colour