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- DictionaryLay/lā/
verb
- 1. put down, especially gently or carefully: "she laid the baby in his crib"
- 2. put down and set in position for use: "it is advisable to have your carpet laid by a professional"
noun
- 1. the general appearance of an area, including the direction of streams, hills, and similar features: "the lay of the surrounding countryside"
- 2. an act or instance of having sex. vulgar slang
Aug 10, 2023 · Lay definition: to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down. See examples of LAY used in a sentence.
to establish as a basis; set up:[ ~ + object] These talks will lay the foundation for further negotiations. to submit for someone's consideration:[ ~ + object] I laid my case before the commission. to charge someone as being responsible for (something):[ ~ + object (+ on + object)] to lay the blame on the inspector.
What does the noun lay mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun lay . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
UK /leɪ/ adjective (attributive) 1. not ordained into or belonging to the clergy a lay preacher 2. not having professional qualifications or expert knowledge, especially in law or medicine a lay member of the Health Authority. word origin. Middle English: from Old French lai, via late Latin from Greek laïkos, from laos ‘people’. Compare with laic.
to put something down somewhere: She laid the baby on the bed. He laid the plate on the table. lay eggs. If an animal lays eggs, eggs come out of its body. lay the table UK. B1. to put plates, knives, forks, etc. on the table before a meal. Phrasal verbs. lay someone off.
What does the word lay mean? There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word lay , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
to put something down somewhere: She laid the baby on the bed. He laid the plate on the table. lay eggs. If an animal lays eggs, eggs come out of its body. lay the table UK. B1. to put plates, knives, forks, etc. on the table before a meal. Phrasal verbs. lay someone off.
