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, people who care …

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

Lay commonly means to put or place someone or something down, as in Lay the bags on the table or I’m going to lay the baby in the crib. The sense of lie that’s often confused with lay means to be in or …

Apr 28, 2026 · 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)”.

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 charges against …

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

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

To lay is to set something down or put it in a horizontal position. It can also mean to position or prepare something for action — or simply to lay eggs.

The past tense of 'lay' is 'laid', which can be confusing as it sounds similar to the past form of 'lie', which is 'lay'. 'Lay' can also mean to produce or create something, such as laying plans or laying foundations.

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