Definition of quay
: a structure built parallel to the bank of a waterway for use as a landing place
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Examples of quay in a Sentence
docked the ferry at the quay to let the passengers off
Recent Examples of quay from the Web
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And researchers in wet suits probing the harbor floor are mapping the old quays and the fabled royal quarter, including, just possibly, the palace of that most beguiling of all Alexandrians, Cleopatra.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quay'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of quay
alteration of earlier key, from Middle English, from Middle French dialect (Picard) kay, probably of Celt origin; akin to Breton kae hedge, enclosure; akin to Old English hecg hedge
First Known Use: 1561
QUAY Defined for English Language Learners
quay
playDefinition of quay for English Language Learners
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: a structure built on the land next to a river, lake, or ocean that is used as a place for boats to stop for loading and unloading freight and passengers
QUAY Defined for Kids
quay
playDefinition of quay for Students
: a structure built along the bank of a waterway (as a river) for use as a landing for loading and unloading boats
Learn More about quay
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See words that rhyme with quay Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quay Spanish Central: Translation of quay Nglish: Translation of quay for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quay
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