noun
Common
Kyle
kyl
Kyle (noun) means a narrow stretch of sea between an island and the mainland, or between two islands — a term used mainly in Scotland. Example: “The ferry crossed the kyle in under ten minutes.”
noun
1
A narrow stretch of sea between an island and the mainland, or between two islands — a term used mainly in Scotland.
"The ferry crossed the kyle in under ten minutes."
"Fishing boats sheltered in the kyle during the storm."
name
1
A male or unisex given name derived from a Scottish surname, in turn from a Gaelic word for a narrow sea channel.
"They named their son Kyle after his grandfather."
"Kyle grew up on the west coast of Scotland."
How to use Kyle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a common noun, a narrow sea channel; far more often encountered today as a popular given name.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- Kyles
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The ferry crossed the _____ in under ten minutes.
Etymology
From Scottish Gaelic caol, meaning "narrows" or "strait," referring to a narrow channel of water.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Kyle
See all rhymes for Kyle →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kyle” mean?
The word “Kyle” means a narrow stretch of sea between an island and the mainland, or between two islands — a term used mainly in Scotland. In plain terms, as a common noun, a narrow sea channel; far more often encountered today as a popular given name.
How do you pronounce “Kyle”?
“Kyle” is pronounced kyl (/kaɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kyle” in a sentence?
Here is “Kyle” used in a sentence: “The ferry crossed the kyle in under ten minutes.”
What part of speech is “Kyle”?
Depending on how it is used, “Kyle” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “Kyle” come from?
The word “Kyle” comes from Scottish Gaelic. From Scottish Gaelic caol, meaning "narrows" or "strait," referring to a narrow channel of water.
Is “Kyle” a common word?
“Kyle” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Kyle” have?
“Kyle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow stretch of sea between an island and the mainland, or between two islands — a term used mainly in Scotland.
What is the difference between a "kyle" and a "strait"?
Both describe a narrow stretch of water, but "kyle" is a regional term used mainly in Scotland, often for a channel between an island and the mainland. "Strait" is the standard, more widely used word for a narrow passage of sea joining two larger bodies of water.
Where is the word "kyle" used?
"Kyle" is used chiefly in Scotland, where it appears in place names such as Kyle of Lochalsh. It refers to a narrow sea channel between an island and the mainland or between two islands.
Where does the name "Kyle" come from?
As a given name, "Kyle" comes from a Scottish surname, which in turn derives from a Gaelic word for a narrow sea channel. It is used as a male or unisex first name.
What is the difference between a "kyle" and a "sound"?
A "kyle" is a narrow channel of sea, a term local to Scotland. A "sound" is also a stretch of water, but it is usually wider and often refers to a large sea inlet or a passage separating an island from the mainland.
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