lays
v. B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫeɪz// UK //lˈeɪz// lays
The hen lays an egg every morning.
The worker carefully lays the tiles on the floor to ensure the pattern remains perfectly straight.
A sea turtle typically lays its eggs in a deep hole on the beach before returning to the ocean, leaving the hatchlings to find their own way.
Usage
Transitive — requires a direct object. Often confused with 'lies' (the intransitive form).
Pitfall
He lays on the sofa every afternoon.He lies on the sofa every afternoon.'Lay' (and its form 'lays') requires an object; for the action of resting oneself, use 'lie' (and its form 'lies').