cay

noun

ˈkē How to pronounce cay (audio) ˈkā How to pronounce cay (audio)
Synonyms of cay
: a low island or reef of sand or coral

Examples of cay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some in the Bahamas hope his visit will draw attention to an ongoing environmental struggle on an island that forms part of the Exuma cays. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Exumas, Bahamas The seas surrounding this archipelago of 365 white-sand cays and idyllic isles are crystal-clear and almost impossibly blue. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026 Among the popular activities in the cays are swimming and snorkeling. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Stretching over an enormous area, it is made up of thousands of reefs, islands, and cays. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cay

Word History

Etymology

Spanish cayo — more at key

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cay was in 1707

Rhymes for cay

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Browse Nearby Words

Caxtonian
cay
Cayabi
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Cite this Entry

“Cay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cay. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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