bight

[ bahyt ]

noun

1. the middle part of a rope, as distinguished from the ends.
2. the loop or bent part of a rope, as distinguished from the ends.
3. a bend or curve in the shore of a sea or river.
4. a body of water bounded by such a bend.
5. a bay or gulf.

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with a bight of rope.

bight

¹

/ baɪt /

noun

1. a wide indentation of a shoreline, or the body of water bounded by such a curve
2. the slack middle part of an extended rope
3. a curve or loop in a rope

verb

1. tr to fasten or bind with a bight

Bight

²

noun

1. the Bight informal.
   the major indentation of the S coast of Australia, from Cape Pasley in W Australia to the Eyre Peninsula in S Australia In fullthe Great Australian Bight

bight

/ bīt /

1. A long, gradual bend or curve in a shoreline. A bight can be larger than a bay, or it can be a segment of a bay.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bight¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English byght, Old English byht “bend, bay”; cognate with Dutch bocht, German Bucht; akin to bow ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bight¹

Old English byht ; see bow ²

Example Sentences

‘Bosun’s mate, take a bight of the flying-jib sheet, and start this villain if he doesn’t confess his sins double quick,’ said the British captain.

From Literature

The Australia Institute said its polling suggested an overwhelming majority of South Australians wanted the bight to be given world heritage protection and most Australians opposed allowing companies to drill for oil there.

From The Guardian

The spacious kitchen has a large island with granite countertops and a bight breakfast area.

From Washington Post

Even with a young team, the Anteaters advanced to the Big West Tournament final, so the future should be bight.

From Washington Times

"Even in bight daylight, proper exposure takes a long time. An eclipse only lasts a couple of minutes and is not really bright, so most images at that time would be blurred."

From Time