English Reference
Word verb · adjective · noun

lay

v. · adj. · n.
US /ˈɫeɪ/ UK /lˈeɪ/ lay UK spelling layed, lays
Irregular verb
infinitive lay past laid past participle laid
Definition
  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.the past tense of 'lie' (to be in a flat position).

    v.the simple past tense form of the intransitive verb 'lie', indicating a state of horizontal rest in the past.

    Simple

    “He was so tired that he lay on the sofa and fell asleep immediately.”

    In context

    “The old documents lay forgotten in the attic for decades before the historian discovered them.”

    Usage

    This is the past tense of 'lie', not 'lay'. It does not take an object.

    Synonyms
    restedreclined
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    v.when a bird or insect produces an egg from its body.

    v.to produce and deposit eggs from the body.

    Simple

    “The chickens lay fresh eggs every morning in the barn.”

    In context

    “Sea turtles return to the same beach every year to lay their eggs in the sand.”

    Synonyms
    producedeposit
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to prepare or arrange a plan or a trap.

    v.to formulate or set out a plan, scheme, or foundation.

    Simple

    “They need to lay a solid plan before they start the new business.”

    In context

    “The general spent weeks laying the foundations for the upcoming winter campaign.”

    Synonyms
    preparearrangedevise
  4. 04 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 professional field.

    Simple

    “The book explains complex science in a way that a lay person can understand.”

    In context

    “The committee included both medical experts and lay members to ensure a balanced perspective.”

    Synonyms
    non expertamateursecular
    Antonyms
    professionalexpertclerical
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic Theatre

    n.a short poem or song that tells a story.

    n.a lyrical, narrative poem or ballad, often intended to be sung.

    Simple

    “The minstrel sang a beautiful lay about a brave knight.”

    In context

    “The scholar studied the ancient lays of the region to understand its early folklore.”

    Synonyms
    balladsongpoem
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the way something is arranged or positioned.

    n.the arrangement, position, or configuration of something, often used in the phrase 'lay of the land'.

    Simple

    “We walked around the park to get the lay of the land.”

    In context

    “Before beginning the construction, the architect carefully examined the lay of the terrain.”

    Synonyms
    layoutarrangementconfiguration
  7. 07 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    v.a very informal and sometimes rude way to say have sex with someone.

    v.to engage in sexual intercourse with someone; typically used transitively.

    Simple

    “He was just looking for a quick way to get laid.”

    In context

    “The film's dialogue was filled with crude jokes about trying to get laid at the party.”

    Synonyms
    sleep with
Don't confuse

lay vs lie — 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.

Usage lay the groundwork

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated