# laying

/ˈɫeɪɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈeɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laying
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. putting something down

verb · CEFR B1

the action of placing something flat or in a specific position.

For teachers: the present participle of 'lay', describing the act of placing an object on a surface or in a horizontal position.

- The workers are laying the new carpet in the living room today.
- The technicians spent the afternoon laying the foundation for the new laboratory equipment, ensuring every measurement was precise before the concrete set.

### 2. producing eggs

noun · CEFR B2

the process of a bird or insect producing eggs.

For teachers: the act of producing or depositing eggs, typically used in an agricultural or biological context.

- The farmer checked the hens to see if their egg laying had increased.
- The study observed that the laying cycle of the local bird population was significantly affected by the unusually cold spring weather.

### 3. construction or arrangement

noun · CEFR B2

the act of building or arranging something, like bricks or pipes.

For teachers: the systematic placement or arrangement of materials in construction or infrastructure.

- The laying of the new water pipes caused some traffic delays.
- The precise laying of the stone tiles required a high level of craftsmanship to ensure the pattern remained consistent across the entire hall.

## Examples

- The laying of the new carpet takes all afternoon.
- The project was delayed because the laying of the foundation required perfectly dry weather conditions.
- Historians noted that the ceremonial laying of the first stone marked a significant shift in the city's architectural priorities during the late nineteenth century.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.