What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quay
Example
The cargo ship was docked at the quay for unloading. [quay: noun]
Example
The fishermen tied their boat to the quay before heading to the market. [quay: noun]
jetty
Example
The jetty provided a safe harbor for the boats during the storm. [jetty: noun]
Example
The family enjoyed fishing off the jetty on the weekend. [jetty: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quay is less common than jetty in everyday language. Jetty is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while quay is more specific and often associated with commercial or industrial activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quay and jetty?
Both quay and jetty are formal words and are typically used in technical or specialized contexts related to shipping, boating, or coastal engineering.
