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bight

noun
\ˈbīt \

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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Synonyms for bight

Synonyms

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

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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 on 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.

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First Known Use of bight

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bight

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

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Dictionary Entries near bight

Bighorn Mountains

bighorn sheep

big house

bight

big idea

big if

big inch

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Time Traveler for bight

The first known use of bight was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for bight

bight

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bight

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

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bight

Spanish Central: Translation of bight

Nglish: Translation of bight for Spanish Speakers

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