Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
lay1

lay1

 
 
pronunciation:
leI
phrases:
lay off, lay out
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Note
part of speech: verb
inflections: lays, laying, laid
definition 1: to put something down so that it is flat against a surface.
Please lay the tablecloth on the table.It was cold, so we laid another blanket on the bed.
 
synonyms:
place, put, set
similar words:
assign, deposit
definition 2: to produce an egg.
The hen laid an egg.
synonyms:
bear, produce
similar words:
afford, create, make, yield
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: lay off, lay out
lay or lie?
Lay means to put or place something on a flat surface. Lie means to be or stay in a flat position. These words are easy to confuse because their meanings are similar and the past tense of lie is lay.
Compare:
  • Lay the mail on the table.
  • He laid the mail on the table.
  • Lie down if you are tired.
  • Yesterday, I lay down for a short rest.