Word
lay
Phoneticslay
US/ˈɫeɪ/
UK/lˈeɪ/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
lay
Past
laid
Past participle
laid
Definitions
01to put down
A2 · Elementary
v. to put something down carefully in a flat position.
v. to place something in a horizontal position or a particular location. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“Please lay the clean towels on the bed for our guests.”
“The workers began to lay the foundation for the new library as soon as the site was cleared of debris.”
Usage
Takes a direct object (e.g., 'lay the book').
Pitfall
I am going to lay down for a nap.
I am going to lie down for a nap.
Use 'lay' when you put an object down; use 'lie' when you move your own body into a flat position.
02past tense of lie
A2 · Elementary
v. the past tense of 'lie' (to be in a flat position).
v. the past tense form of the intransitive verb 'lie', indicating a state of rest or horizontal position in the past.
“He was so tired that he lay on the sofa and fell asleep instantly.”
“The old map lay forgotten in the attic for decades before the new owners discovered it.”
Usage
Intransitive; does not take a direct object.
03to produce eggs
A2 · Elementary
v. when a bird or insect produces an egg from its body.
v. to produce and deposit eggs. Can be used transitively or intransitively.
“The chickens lay several eggs every morning.”
“Sea turtles return to the same beach every year to lay their eggs in the sand before returning to the ocean.”
04non-expert
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing someone who is not a professional or an expert in a specific subject.
adj. relating to people who are not members of the clergy or not experts in a particular profession.
“The doctor tried to explain the surgery in lay terms so the family could understand.”
“The board consists of both legal experts and lay members to ensure a balanced perspective on the community project.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
05to prepare a plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to prepare or set out a plan or a trap.
v. to prepare, establish, or set out a plan, scheme, or foundation for future action.
“They began to lay plans for their summer holiday months in advance.”
“The detectives spent weeks laying a trap to catch the thieves in the act.”
06a poem or song
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a short poem or song that tells a story.
n. a lyrical, narrative poem or ballad, often dealing with adventure or romance.
“The minstrel sang a lay about a brave knight from long ago.”
“The scholar spent years translating ancient lays that had been passed down through oral tradition.”
07sexual partner
C1 · Advanced Slang · Vulgar · Informal
v. a very informal and sometimes rude way to talk about having sex or a sexual partner.
v. to have sexual intercourse with someone; also used as a noun for a sexual partner. Highly informal and potentially offensive.
“He was looking for a quick lay at the club.”
“The film was criticized for its shallow characters who were only interested in their next lay.”
Teaching tip
This sense is vulgar; learners should avoid using it in most social or professional contexts.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lay” in context.
Verb
01. explain the lay of the land
“The manager explained the lay of the land to the new employees during their first meeting.”
verb + noun + of + noun
02. get the lay of the land
“I need a few days in the new office to get the lay of the land before I start the project.”
verb + noun + of + noun
03. understand the lay of the land
“It is important to understand the lay of the land before you build a house on this hill.”
verb + noun + of + noun
Noun
04. lay of the land
“From the top of the tower, you can see the whole lay of the land.”
noun + of + noun
05. lay of the local land
“The farmers know the lay of the local land better than anyone else.”
noun + of + adj + noun
Confusables
Lie is an intransitive action where a person or thing reclines, while lay is a transitive action that requires a direct object being placed down.
RememberLie is for people; lay is for objects.
Word family
VERB
Related words
Idioms
01. a wild goose never laid a tame egg
02. best laid plans
03. kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
04. lay a finger on
05. lay an anchor to the windward
06. lay an egg
08. lay by the heels
09. lay down the law
Show all 27
11. lay eggs
12. lay eyes on
13. lay hands on
14. lay it on
15. lay it on thick
16. lay of the land
17. lay off
18. lay on
19. lay on the line
20. lay one's head
22. lay over
23. lay something at the feet of
24. lay store by
26. lay the wood
27. lay to rest
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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