Meaning & Definition of Overlay in English

1. Protective covering consisting, for example, of a layer of boards applied to the studs and joists of a building to strengthen it and serve as a foundation for a weatherproof exterior

2. A layer of decorative material (such as gold leaf or wood veneer) applied over a surface

1. Put something on top of something else

• "Cover the meat with a lot of gravy"

2. Kill by lying on

• "The sow overlay her piglets"