bailey

noun

bai·​ley ˈbā-lē How to pronounce bailey (audio)
plural baileys
1
: the outer wall of a castle or any of several walls surrounding the keep
2
: a courtyard within the external wall or between two outer walls of a castle

Examples of bailey 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.
Shadow bands, baileys beads, and diamond ring will reappear in opposite order. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2024 Paths and gardens fill the bailey – the courtyard where soldiers may have trained. — Lauren Beale, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bailli, palisade, bailey, from Anglo-French baille, balie

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bailey was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing bailey

Rhymes for bailey

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Cite this Entry

“Bailey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bailey. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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Biographical Definition

Bailey 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Bai·​ley ˈbā-lē How to pronounce Bailey (audio)
Liberty Hyde 1858–1954 American botanist

Bailey

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Nathan or Nathaniel died 1742 English lexicographer

Bailey

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Pearl Mae 1918–1990 American singer

More from Merriam-Webster on bailey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bailey

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