Definitions for lay

Definitions for (noun) lay

Main entry: ballad, lay

Definition: a narrative poem of popular origin


Main entry: ballad, lay

Definition: a narrative song with a recurrent refrain


Definitions for (verb) lay

Main entry: put, place, pose, position, set, lay

Definition: put into a certain place or abstract location

Usage: Put your things here; Set the tray down; Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children; Place emphasis on a certain point


Main entry: put down, repose, lay

Definition: put in a horizontal position

Usage: lay the books on the table; lay the patient carefully onto the bed


Main entry: lay

Definition: lay eggs

Usage: This hen doesn't lay


Main entry: lay

Definition: prepare or position for action or operation

Usage: lay a fire; lay the foundation for a new health care plan


Main entry: lay

Definition: impose as a duty, burden, or punishment

Usage: lay a responsibility on someone


Definitions for (adj) lay

Main entry: lay

Definition: not of or from a profession

Usage: a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease


Main entry: secular, laic, lay

Definition: characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy

Usage: set his collar in laic rather than clerical position; the lay ministry


Visual thesaurus for lay