English Word Lay Meaning and Definition

Word of the Day: Lay

There are many different ways to use the word “lay.” Perhaps the most common use is similar to the verb “put.”

• You can lay those boxes on the floor.
• You can put those boxes on the floor.
• We laid some carpet in the living room.
• We put some carpet in the living room.

You need to use an object after this verb because it’s transitive (a verb that requires an object).

• I laid my cards on the table. The word “cards” is an object.
• Joe has laid out some plans for his new project. The word “plans” is an object.

Here are some other examples for the verb “lay.”

• A chicken lays eggs.
• A construction worker lays bricks.
• You can lay a bet if you like to gamble.
• Plans are laid when thinking about the future.
• Responsibilities are laid on our political leaders.
• People lay their hands on things and on other people.
• I can’t wait to lay my hands on the new iPhone.
• A table is laid for dinner. When you put down the plates, the forks, the knives, etc., you are laying the table.

There are few expressions that use the word “lay.”

• He has to lay his cards on the table. (He has to prove that he has something or be honest about something.)
• Lay it on me. (Tell me what you want to say.)

Note: The words “lay” and “lie” are often confused.

Essential English Dictionary

Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with L page to see the list of all words starting with letter L. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.