What term describes a body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf?

The term that best describes a body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf, is "bay." A bay is typically a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward, and its size creates a distinct feature that is generally more significant than a cove, which is a smaller recess or bay typically characterized by a narrow opening. Bays often provide calm waters for anchorage and access to coastlines, making them important for maritime activities.

Estuaries, while they may share similarities with bays, specifically refer to areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, which is distinguished by unique ecological characteristics. Harbors are specifically designed areas on a coast providing shelter for ships, and while they may be located in or alongside a bay, they have a different classification associated with their purpose. Inlets refer to narrow bodies of water between islands or a body of water that connects a bay or lagoon to the sea, making them distinct from the broader classification of a bay.