Meaning & Definition of word "Laying"

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    Laying

    /ˈleɪ.ɪŋ/

    noun:

    • 1. The action of placing something down.
      • Example: The laying of the foundation took several weeks.
    • 2. The process of producing eggs.
      • Example: The laying of the eggs usually occurs at dawn.

    verb:

    • 1. The act of putting something down in a flat or horizontal position.
      • Example: She is laying the book on the table.
    • 2. To place or set down in a specified position.
      • Example: He is laying the groundwork for the new project.
    • 3. To produce or deposit eggs, as in birds or reptiles.
      • Example: The hen is currently laying eggs in the coop.

    Etymology

    From Middle English 'leie', from Old English 'lecgan', meaning 'to lay down'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    laying down the law:

    to assert or enforce rules or authority.

    laying it on thick:

    to exaggerate or overstate something.

    laying the groundwork:

    to prepare the basics for a future project.

    Related Words

    lie:

    to recline, to be in a flat position.

    lay:

    to set down, to put something in a specific position.

    laid:

    the past tense of lay, meaning to have placed something down.

    Slang Meanings of laying

    Meaning: hooking up

    Example Sentence: They were just laying together, no commitment.

    Meaning: getting busy

    Example Sentence: We spent the night laying.