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cayo

cayo

9.8
A small low island in the Caribbean made from coral with sandy beaches
  • noun
  • /ˈkaɪ.oʊ/
translation icon : cayo
  • Fishermen often stop at a cayo to rest before returning to the mainland.

Examples

  • Many tourists visit the cayos of Cuba for their clear waters and sandy beaches.

  • We visited a beautiful cayo in the Caribbean.

  • The boat anchored near a remote cayo where we spent the afternoon swimming.

  • The cayos around Belize are stunning.

  • The cayo was a peaceful retreat surrounded by crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.

  • Many tourists enjoy exploring the cayo to discover its unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

  • After the storm, several boats were stranded near the cayo, waiting for the seas to calm down.

Synonyms

cay
vscayo
5 9.0

A small sandy island on a coral reef in warm seas

is mainly used for similar islands in the Caribbean Sea

How Big

mainland
92 2.7
island
281 3.7
cayo
9.8
islet
7 6.8
sandbar
  • US
11 2.8

Surface Forms

cayo singular
cayos plural

Etymology

Cayo comes from Spanish and an old Caribbean language where it meant 'small, low island' often on a coral reef. Think of the Florida Keys, which come from the same word, so a cayo is a little island in the sea.