Lay is often used where lie is considered standard, as in "I'm going to lay down for a quick nap." The use, which dates to the 14th century, troubled no one until the 18th, but since then, …

LAY definition: to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down. See examples of lay used in a sentence.

LAY definition: 1. to put something in especially a flat or horizontal position, usually carefully or for a…. Learn more.

1. To give up; abandon: lay aside all hope of rescue. 2. To save for the future: laid aside money for a vacation.

Dec 14, 2025 · One is that the form lay was also originally used as both the base form of lay and as the simple past of lie. Another is the use of lay as a reflexive verb meaning “to go lie (down)”.

Definition of lay verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Lay is used with some nouns in expressions about accusing or blaming someone. For example, if you lay the blame for a mistake on someone, you say it is their fault, or if the police lay …

The way or position in which something is situated or arranged. The lay of the land.

The verb lay in most of its meanings takes an object, and a general rule to remember is that if the word "put, place,'' can be substituted in a sentence, then lay is the verb to use: Lay (= put, …

In religious organizations, the laity (/ ˈleɪəti /) — individually a layperson, layman or laywoman — consists of all members who are not part of the clergy, usually including any non- ordained …