English dictionary
lay
adjectiveAudio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
adjective
- not of or from a profession
adjective
- characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
noun
- a narrative poem of popular origin
noun
- a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
verb
- put into a certain place or abstract location
verb
- put in a horizontal position
verb
- lay eggs
verb
- prepare or position for action or operation
verb
- impose as a duty, burden, or punishment
Example sentences
a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease
set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
the lay ministry
Put your things here
Set the tray down
Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
Place emphasis on a certain point
lay the books on the table
lay the patient carefully onto the bed
This hen doesn't lay
lay a fire
lay the foundation for a new health care plan
lay a responsibility on someone