§ 156. quay. 7. Pronunciation Challenges. The American Heritage Book of English Usage. 1996

The American Heritage® Book of English Usage.

A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English. 1996.

7. Pronunciation Challenges: Confusions and Controversy

§ 156. quay

This word is an etymological cousin of the words key and cay, which both mean “a low offshore island or reef.” Quay is traditionally pronounced like key, although the pronunciations (k) and (kw) are now also considered standard in American English.	1