Lay: meaning, definitions and examples

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lay

 

[ leɪ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To put something down gently or carefully on a surface, typically in a horizontal position.

Synonyms

place, put, set

Examples of usage

  • He lay the baby down in the crib.
  • She lay the book on the table.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive

To put something in a particular position or place, especially in a horizontal position.

Synonyms

arrange, locate, position

Examples of usage

  • She lay the blanket over the sleeping child.
  • He lay the cards on the table.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A simple ball game in which a ball is thrown up and caught by the hands or a racket.

Synonyms

catch, game, toss

Examples of usage

  • Let's play a game of lay during the break.

Translations

Translations of the word "lay" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deitar

🇮🇳 रखना

🇩🇪 legen

🇮🇩 meletakkan

🇺🇦 класти

🇵🇱 kłaść

🇯🇵 置く (oku)

🇫🇷 poser

🇪🇸 poner

🇹🇷 koymak

🇰🇷 놓다 (nohta)

🇸🇦 وضع (wada'a)

🇨🇿 položit

🇸🇰 položiť

🇨🇳 放 (fàng)

🇸🇮 položiti

🇮🇸 leggja

🇰🇿 қою

🇬🇪 დადება (dadeba)

🇦🇿 qoymaq

🇲🇽 poner

Etymology

The word 'lay' has a complex history, with origins in Old English and Germanic languages. In Old English, 'lecgan' meant 'to place,' which eventually evolved into the modern 'lay.' Over time, the word has taken on various meanings and uses in English, reflecting its versatile nature in describing actions of placing or positioning objects. The word has also influenced idiomatic expressions and phrases, adding depth to its usage in the English language.

See also: layabout, layer, layoff, layout, layover, mislay, outlay, outlays, relay.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,127, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.