Lay — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Lay
Lay (verb)
- to beat or strike down with force
- to put or set down
- to place for rest or sleep; especially, bury
Lay (noun)
- covert, lair
- something (such as a layer) that lies or is laid
- line of action, plan
- a simple narrative poem, ballad
- melody, song
Lay (adjective)
- of or relating to the laity, not ecclesiastical
- of or relating to members of a religious house occupied with domestic or manual work
- not of a particular profession; also, lacking extensive knowledge of a particular subject
Lay (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to arrange something in a certain spot or position
"just lay the book over there on the table for now"
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to cause to come to rest at the bottom (as of a liquid)
"the rain was just hard enough to lay the dust in the air"
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to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
"state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet"
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to make ready in advance
"she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time"
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to put a layer of on a surface
"the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second"
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to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event
"I'll lay five dollars that you can't do it"
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to explain (something) as being the result of something else
"an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring"
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to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
"lay the corpse to rest"
Lay (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
"the minstrel strummed a cheerful lay on his lute"
-
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
"she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband"
-
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
"my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter"
Lay (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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as in laical, nonclerical
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lay
The most common words with a similar meaning to Lay:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Lay
Words with the opposite meaning of Lay:
Near Antonyms of Lay
Word Forms of Lay
Origin & Etymology of Lay
Middle English leyen, from Old English lecgan; akin to Old English licgan to lie lie
First known use: before 12th centuryt
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Lay
- Topics: Common Actions / Verbs
Words & Phrases Containing Lay
Frequently Asked Questions about Lay
What does "Lay" mean?
"Lay" means to beat or strike down with force. As an a verb, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: to beat or strike down with force. It has 12 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Lay"?
Other words for "Lay" include depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, fix, place, position and put. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lay" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Lay"?
There are 322 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lay". Common alternatives include depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, fix, place, position, put, set and set up.
What is the opposite of "Lay"?
Antonyms of "Lay" include raise, remit, disinter, exhume, unearth, religious, sacred and divine. Near antonyms include relocate, remove, take and banish.
How do you use "Lay" in a sentence?
Examples of "Lay" in a sentence: "just lay the book over there on the table for now"; "the rain was just hard enough to lay the dust in the air"; "state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet".
Is "Lay" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Lay" can be used as a verb, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Lay"?
"Lay" is pronounced /ˈlā/.
What is the origin of the word "Lay"?
"Lay" comes from Middle English leyen, from Old English lecgan; akin to Old English licgan to lie lie. First known use: before 12th centuryt.