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Updated June 2026
In climbing, to secure a rope; nautically, to make fast a rope around a cleat.
“The lead climber called for the second to belay.”
be·lay
"Belay" uses 5 different letters, which makes it efficient for eliminating options. Its 2 vowels balance the consonants.
"Belay" is worth 10 points before board bonuses. Aim its letters at double/triple-letter and word squares to lift the score.
Change a single letter of “belay” to make these 5-letter words — useful for Wordle and crossword clues.
Shorter words formed from the letters in “belay”.
Look up belay in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.
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