as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure
The climber belayed the rope.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of belay
The ship’s resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release.
—
Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day.
—Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025
Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for belay
Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day.
—Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025
Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
Verb
-
Investigators wrote that the children told authorities they were locked inside a chicken pen that was fastened shut and then shot at with BB guns during the alleged incident.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Even reminding people to fasten their seatbelts can help.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
His six three-pointers tied a career-high.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The jury ultimately returned guilty verdicts on charges tied to all three accusers.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The need to clip the governor’s fiscal wings is urgent.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Doing a quick scan of weekly sales, clipping coupons ahead of time and knowing what's in season can also shape smarter choices.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Senators clinched a deal with just over a day until a partial government shutdown.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
One night after watching its point guard Amalia Holguin erupt for 64 points, including an Orange County record-tying 13 3-pointers, Sage Hill used a 9-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to beat Rosary 65-50 and clinch a fourth consecutive Pacific Coast League title.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For now, market forecasts pin gold prices somewhere between $4,000 and $5,300 per ounce next year, Cavatoni says.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
And punter Jeremy Crawshaw delivered one of Saturday’s most clutch plays, with a 55-yard boot to pin Buffalo at their own 7-yard-line on their final offensive drive of overtime.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Melvin Council stood amid a crowd of his Kansas teammates, clenching a black belt in his fist.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t leave home without a rose clenched between your teeth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On Wednesday afternoon, a four-person astronaut crew is set to strap into a SpaceX capsule and undock from the International Space Station.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Tuck keys, phone, cards, and a few other essentials into the bag, strap it on, and be on your way.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
