at bay
idiom
: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone
—used with keep or hold
The soldiers kept the attackers at bay.
—often used figurativelyThe doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.
Examples of at bay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus the formula is fast-drying, to prevent flaking and smudging, with a small fiber brush that coats each lash while keeping clumping at bay.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
Ausar was especially effective late in the game, both at the line and with momentum-changing dunks, to hold Rutgers at bay enough to survive a 12-1 run early in the second half and then the late surge.
—Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
That’s where smart travel essentials come in—from staying hydrated with an Owala water bottle to keeping germs at bay with Purell hand sanitizer.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Belote scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds while Steinert finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, including clutch back-to-back jumpers in the fourth quarter that helped hold Western at bay.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
Ausar was especially effective late in the game, both at the line and with momentum-changing dunks, to hold Rutgers at bay enough to survive a 12-1 run early in the second half and then the late surge.
—Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
That’s where smart travel essentials come in—from staying hydrated with an Owala water bottle to keeping germs at bay with Purell hand sanitizer.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Belote scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds while Steinert finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, including clutch back-to-back jumpers in the fourth quarter that helped hold Western at bay.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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