A strait is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. The Strait of Gibraltar, for example, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, with Europe on one side and Africa on the other. Ships sailing between these waters must pass through this relatively slim channel.

Throughout history, straits have been enormously important for trade, exploration, and military strategy. Whoever controls a major strait controls who can pass through it. The Bering Strait separates Russia from Alaska by only about 50 miles. Scientists believe ancient peoples crossed this area when it was a land bridge during the Ice Age, migrating from Asia to North America.

The word strait can also describe a difficult situation, though this meaning is less common. When someone is in dire straits, they're in serious trouble. This meaning connects to the geographical one: just as a narrow waterway restricts movement, a difficult situation restricts your options.

Don't confuse strait with straight, which means not curved or bent. The Strait of Gibraltar is actually quite straight, but the spelling difference matters: a strait is usually about water, while straight describes a line, path, or direction.