Lay

/leɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
the act of laying something down.
The lay of the land was perfect for farming.
verb
to put down or place something in a particular position.
Please lay the book on the table.
to cause (a person) to be in a specified position, typically lying down.
She gently laid the baby in the crib.
to put something down firmly.
He laid the groundwork for the new project.
adjective
referring to something that is not raised.
The lay surface of the field is ideal for playing soccer.

Etymology

Old English 'lecgan', meaning to put or place.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lay down the law
to state rules emphatically.
lay it on thick
to exaggerate or overstate something.
lay low
to avoid attracting attention.

Related Words

layer
a sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body.
layoff
a temporary or permanent discharge of a worker or workers.

Slang Meanings

to sleep with someone.
He laid her last night.
to succeed in something or to achieve a goal.
He's really laying it down at work.