Meaning & Definition of Lay in English
English⟶
Lay
/le/
noun
1. A narrative song with a recurrent refrain
synonym:
- ballad,
- lay
2. A narrative poem of popular origin
synonym:
- ballad,
- lay
verb
1. Put into a certain place or abstract location
- "Put your things here"
- "Set the tray down"
- "Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children"
- "Place emphasis on a certain point"
synonym:
- put,
- set,
- place,
- pose,
- position,
- lay
2. Put in a horizontal position
- "Lay the books on the table"
- "Lay the patient carefully onto the bed"
synonym:
- lay,
- put down,
- repose
3. Prepare or position for action or operation
- "Lay a fire"
- "Lay the foundation for a new health care plan"
synonym:
- lay
4. Lay eggs
- "This hen doesn't lay"
synonym:
- lay
5. Impose as a duty, burden, or punishment
- "Lay a responsibility on someone"
synonym:
- lay
adjective
1. Characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
- "Set his collar in laic rather than clerical position"
- "The lay ministry"
synonym:
- laic,
- lay,
- secular
2. Not of or from a profession
- "A lay opinion as to the cause of the disease"
synonym:
- lay
Examples of using
Tom lay awake in bed, listening to the rain.
In the sunlight my head started to spin, and I lay down to have a rest on the grass.
She lay her head on my chest so she could listen to my heartbeat.