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
This will help keep unsightly and unhygienic mildew at bay.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025
Having occasional breaks from the diet also helped keep cancer at bay, although not as much as fully embracing the Mediterranean style of eating, the study found.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Its light-reflecting properties brighten up undereyes and keep oily skin at bay.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
Plus, unlike Egyptian cotton or linen sheets, there’s a cooling factor for keeping night sweats at bay.
—Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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.
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025
Having occasional breaks from the diet also helped keep cancer at bay, although not as much as fully embracing the Mediterranean style of eating, the study found.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Its light-reflecting properties brighten up undereyes and keep oily skin at bay.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
Plus, unlike Egyptian cotton or linen sheets, there’s a cooling factor for keeping night sweats at bay.
—Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share