lay
adjective
1. characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
- the lay ministry
Similar word(s): profane, secular, laic, secular
2. not of or from a profession
- a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease
Similar word(s): nonprofessional
Sentences with lay as an adjective:
- They seemed more lay than clerical.
- a lay preacher; a lay brother
noun
1. a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
Similar word(s): ballad
Definition categories: communication, song, vocal
2. a narrative poem of popular origin
Similar word(s): ballad
Definition categories: communication, poem
Sentences with lay as a noun:
- the lay of the land
- Worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way.
- What was I, just another lay you can toss aside as you go on to your next conquest?
verb
1. put into a certain place or abstract location
Similar word(s): place, pose, position, put, set
Definition categories: contact, displace, move
2. put in a horizontal position
- lay the books on the table
- lay the patient carefully onto the bed
Similar word(s): repose
Definition categories: contact, lay, place, pose, position, put, set
3. prepare or position for action or operation
- lay a fire
- lay the foundation for a new health care plan
Definition categories: creation, devise, machinate, organise, organize, prepare
4. lay eggs
- This hen doesn't lay
Definition categories: contact, lay, repose
5. impose as a duty, burden, or punishment
- lay a responsibility on someone
Definition categories: possession, impose, levy
Sentences with lay as a verb:
- to lay a book on the table;
- A shower of rain lays the dust.
- lay brick;
- I'll lay that he doesn't turn up on Monday.
- to lay forward;
- to lay a gun
- to lay a cable or rope
- to lay a tax on land
- to lay an indictment in a particular county;
- The baby lay in its crib and slept silently.