noun
bayou
BEYE-oo
Bayou (noun) means a slow-moving, marshy stream or channel, especially in the southern United States. Example: “Alligators bask along the edges of the bayou.”
noun
1
A slow-moving, marshy stream or channel, especially in the southern United States.
"Alligators bask along the edges of the bayou."
"The old cabin sat right at the edge of the bayou."
How to use bayou
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slow, swampy waterway typical of the U.S. Gulf Coast, especially Louisiana.
UK vs US
Almost exclusively an American English word, tied to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bayous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Alligators bask along the edges of the _____.
Etymology
From Louisiana French "bayou," borrowed from the Choctaw word "bayuk," meaning a small stream.
Rhymes for bayou
See all rhymes for bayou →Frequently asked questions
What does “bayou” mean?
The word “bayou” means a slow-moving, marshy stream or channel, especially in the southern United States. In plain terms, a slow, swampy waterway typical of the U.S. Gulf Coast, especially Louisiana.
How do you pronounce “bayou”?
“Bayou” is pronounced BEYE-oo (/ˈbaɪ.(j)uː/ in IPA).
How do you use “bayou” in a sentence?
Here is “bayou” used in a sentence: “Alligators bask along the edges of the bayou.”
What part of speech is “bayou”?
“Bayou” is a noun.
Where does the word “bayou” come from?
The word “bayou” comes from French. From Louisiana French "bayou," borrowed from the Choctaw word "bayuk," meaning a small stream.
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