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 verb (PUT DOWN) Add to word list C1 [ T usually + adv/prep ] to put something in especially a flat or horizontal position, usually carefully or for a particular purpose:

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

4 days ago · lay (third-person singular simple present lays, present participle laying, simple past laid, past participle laid or (colloquial) lain) (transitive) To place down in a position of rest, or in …

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 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, …

Nov 8, 2025 · Here’s the problem: Lie is an irregular verb that means “to repose” and conjugates lie-lay-lain. Lay is a regular verb that means “to put” and conjugates lay-laid-laid.

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

lay adjective [always before noun] (NOT A PRIEST) involved in religious activities, but not trained as a priest: a lay preacher