SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

bight

noun \ ˈbīt \

Updated on: 10 Mar 2018

Definition of bight

1 : a bend in a coast forming an open bay; also : a bay formed by such a bend

2 : a slack part or loop in a rope

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Examples of bight in a Sentence

the bight known as the Bay of Fundy is known for its fast-running tides

Recent Examples of bight from the Web

Following the path of the moon and sun along the Zodiac will be Gemini and Cancer as the bight winter season constellations of Orion and Taurus move farther west in the prime viewing hours of the evening sky.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Two full moons and lots of planet watching on tap in March," 26 Feb. 2018
Going at a speed of forty miles an hour, the hydroplane was heading up the bight in the direction of the sand-pit which connects North Island with Coronado.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "Biplane flies," 27 Jan. 2018
The map was full of promises of the undiscovered, coves and lookout points, brooks and bights each harboring a secret second chance.

— sara novic, New York Times, "Jacqueline Woodson: When a Southern Town Broke a Heart JULY 26, 2016," 11 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bight

Middle English, from Old English byht bend, bay; akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

bight Synonyms

Synonyms

arm, bay, cove, creek [chiefly British], estuary, firth, fjord (also fiord), gulf, inlet, loch [Scottish];

Related Words

harbor, port, road(s), roadstead;

narrow, sound, strait;

backwater, slough (also slew);

BIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

bight

noun

Definition of bight for English Language Learners

: a curve in a coast or the bay formed by such a curve

Learn More about bight

See words that rhyme with bight Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bight Spanish Central: Translation of bight Nglish: Translation of bight for Spanish speakers

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Examples: bight in a Sentence