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bay
noun
A body of water partially enclosed by land, typically smaller than a gulf but larger than a cove. Also refers to the laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) whose aromatic leaves are used in cooking, or a reddish-brown color resembling a bay horse.
Etymology
Example
"The fishing boats returned to the sheltered bay as storm clouds gathered over the Atlantic horizon."
Usage Notes
Bay primarily refers to geographic water features in formal and informal contexts. The culinary sense (bay leaves) is equally common in cooking contexts. 'Bay window' extends the curved enclosure concept to architecture. Avoid confusing with 'bight' (a less enclosed curve of coastline) or 'gulf' (much larger water body). The word works across registers from technical geography to casual conversation.