# overlay

/ˈoʊvɝˌɫeɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overlay
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to lay over something

verb · CEFR B2

to put a layer of something on top of another thing.

For teachers: to lay, spread, or apply a layer over a surface or another object.

- The artist decided to overlay the blue paint with a thin layer of gold.
- The designer chose to overlay the digital map with real-time traffic data to provide a more comprehensive view for the users.

### 2. a covering layer

noun · CEFR B2

a layer of something that is put over something else.

For teachers: a covering or layer that is superimposed on a surface or another object.

- The table had a beautiful glass overlay to protect the wood underneath.
- The presentation included a transparent overlay that highlighted the projected growth areas on the regional map.

### 3. digital/internet pop-up

noun · CEFR B2

a part of a website or app that appears on top of the main screen.

For teachers: a graphical user interface element that appears over the existing display, often used for advertisements or notifications.

- An annoying ad overlay blocked the text I was trying to read.
- The streaming software allows users to add a custom overlay that displays their social media handles during the broadcast.

### 4. gambling odds

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

when the chance of winning is better than the price you have to pay.

For teachers: a situation in which the odds offered on a wager are higher than the actual probability of the outcome occurring.

- The professional gambler identified the horse as a clear overlay at ten-to-one.
- Experienced bettors look for an overlay where the public has underestimated a contestant's statistical likelihood of victory.

### 5. to suffocate

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to accidentally smother someone, usually a baby, by lying on top of them.

For teachers: to suffocate a person or animal by lying upon them; historically used in the context of infants in shared beds.

- In the old records, the cause of death was listed as the infant being overlaid.
- The historical text warned mothers of the dangers of overlaying their children during the night.

## Examples

- The map has a transparent overlay showing the new bus routes.
- The software allows users to add a text overlay to their videos before sharing them online.
- By applying a digital overlay of historical property boundaries onto the modern satellite imagery, researchers were able to identify the exact location of the original settlement.

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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.