A curve or recess in a coastline, river, or other geographic feature; also, a loop or slack part of a rope or cable.
From Old English 'byht' and Old Norse 'bugt', both meaning 'bend' or 'curve'. The Germanic root relates to 'bow' (as in bending), with similar words appearing across Scandinavian languages. Originally a maritime term.
The bight is why the Bay of Biscay has such a distinctive shape on maps—it's a massive geographical bight that's been a challenge for sailors for centuries. The word survives in sailing vocabulary today, largely unchanged for a thousand years, making it one of English's most ancient maritime terms still in active use.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.