quay

¹

[kee, key, kwey]

noun

1. a landing place, especially one of solid masonry, constructed along the edge of a body of water; wharf.

   Synonyms: levee, landing, dock, pier

Quay

²

[kwey]

noun

1. Matthew Stanley, 1833–1904, U.S. politician: senator 1887–99, 1901–4.

quay

/ kiː /

noun

1. a wharf, typically one built parallel to the shoreline Compare pier

Other Word Forms

• quaylike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quay¹

1690–1700; spelling variant (after French quai ) of earlier kay (also key, whence the modern pronunciation) < Old French kay, cay; akin to Spanish cayo shoal. See key ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of quay¹

C14 keye, from Old French kai, of Celtic origin; compare Cornish kē hedge, fence, Old Breton cai fence

Example Sentences

"If I never went for the checks, I don't think I would be here today. So it was a real godsend for them to come down to the quay."

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The terminal operator International Transportation Service plans to fill in a 19-acre area of water and extend the existing quay by 560 feet, which would allow larger ships to dock at the port.

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Patricia Page, owner of a pest and rodent control business in the north west, said it appeared a large colony had set up home on the quay, adding it is a real "cause for concern".

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He would order “bottles of white wine at the former bar L’Alexandre” before “getting drunk at Rosebud” and “hanging out on the quays with the second-hand booksellers or the Shakespeare and Company bookstore.”

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The other rescued people were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer quay and taken care of by the land rescue services.

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