hay

word

/ˈheɪ/
hay
/hˈeɪ/
hay

Definition

Hay is grass that has been cut and dried, usually to feed animals such as horses and cows. It is often stored in bales.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in farming and animal-care contexts. Don't confuse it with 'grass' (fresh, growing) or 'straw' (the dry stalks left after grain is harvested). Common collocations include 'bale of hay', 'stack hay', and 'feed hay to horses'.

Example Sentences

The horses are eating hay.

basic

If the hay gets wet, it can go bad.

natural

The farmer put fresh hay in the barn.

basic

We stored the hay for winter.

basic

It smells like hay in here.

natural

He lifted a bale of hay onto the truck by himself.

natural