Meaning of the word lay in English

What does lay mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

lay

US /leɪ/
UK /leɪ/
"lay" picture

Verb

1.

put something down gently or carefully

Example:
She carefully laid the baby in the crib.
Please lay the books on the table.
2.

of a bird, reptile, insect, or fish produce eggs

Example:
The hen will lay an egg every day.
Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Noun

1.

a way in which something is situated or arranged

Example:
The lay of the land made it difficult to build.
He studied the lay of the cards on the table.

Adjective

1.

not ordained into the clergy; non-clerical

Example:
He is a lay preacher, not an ordained minister.
The committee includes both clergy and lay members.
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