at bay

phrase

: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone
—used with keep or hold
The soldiers kept the attackers at bay.
—often used figuratively
The doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.

Examples of at bay 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.
Starting Friday, the strong wind shear that’s been swirling in the Atlantic all season and keeping most storms at bay is expected to pick up again, wearing away at Dolly. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 And when fall in the South inevitably has its warm days, the fabric is also quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and UPF 50+ protective to keep the sun at bay. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 Merck and Moderna’s success with a personalized cancer vaccine designed to keep melanoma at bay opens a ​new avenue of treatment that doctors hope will work against many types of tumors. — CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Those ions keep fast-growing gunk at bay and stems slime free. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at bay

Rhymes for at bay

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Browse Nearby Words

at bat
at bay
at best
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Cite this Entry

“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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