at bay
idiom
: 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 figurativelyThe 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
Richards was especially impressive against West Ham, keeping Crysencio Summerville at bay, shepherding him into less dangerous areas and providing cover for goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
—
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
That score gave the Broncos a 35-24 lead, and Riley’s final two touchdowns kept the Falcons at bay.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 21 Sep. 2025
Fortunately for Boston, the bullpen did its job and kept the Athletics at bay from the sixth inning onwards.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Malleable and with a matte finish, when worked through the hair, this white paste keeps flyaways at bay, musses up the ends of short cuts, and sculpts amazing second-day texture.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
That score gave the Broncos a 35-24 lead, and Riley’s final two touchdowns kept the Falcons at bay.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 21 Sep. 2025
Fortunately for Boston, the bullpen did its job and kept the Athletics at bay from the sixth inning onwards.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Malleable and with a matte finish, when worked through the hair, this white paste keeps flyaways at bay, musses up the ends of short cuts, and sculpts amazing second-day texture.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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