chay

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈchī
variants or chaya
ˈchī(y)ə
or less commonly choy
ˈchȯi
or choya
ˈchȯi(y)ə
plural -s
: the root of an East Indian herb (Oldenlandia umbellata) that yields a red dye

chay

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈshā
plural -s
: chaise

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Tamil-Malayalam cāya-vēr, perhaps from Sanskrit chāyā color, shadow

Noun (2)

back-formation from chaise, taken as plural

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near chay

Cite this Entry

“Chay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chay. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!