Real Dictionary

bay
A bay is a part of a coast where the land curves inwards.
countable noun: A bay is a partly enclosed area, inside or outside a building, that is used for a particular purpose.

bay in American English 1
a part of a sea or lake that cuts into the shoreline; wide inlet: usually smaller than a gulf
noun: a body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

bay in American English 2
an opening or alcove marked off by pillars, columns, etc.
noun: any of a number of similar major vertical divisions of a large interior, wall, etc.

bay in American English 3
the sound of baying
to bark at; howl at
to bark or howl in long, deep tones
intransitive verb: to howl, esp. with a deep, prolonged sound, as a hound on the scent
noun: a deep, prolonged howl, as of a hound on the scent
transitive verb: to assail with deep, prolonged howling

bay in American English 4
laurel (sense 1)
noun

bay in American English 5
reddish-brown
adjective: having a reddish-brown body
noun: reddish brown

bay in British English 1
noun: a wide semicircular indentation of a shoreline, esp between two headlands or peninsulas

bay in British English 2
noun: an alcove or recess in a wall

bay in British English 3
noun: a deep howl or growl, esp of a hound on the scent

bay in British English 4
noun: a small evergreen Mediterranean laurel, Laurus nobilis, with glossy aromatic leaves, used for flavouring in cooking, and small blackish berries

bay in British English 5
noun: a moderate reddish-brown colour