To put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; See examples of lay used in a sentence. 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 …

Learn more. 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. If you lay something such as carpets, cables, or foundations, you put them into their permanent position. A man came to lay the carpet.

The lay of the land. If you lay something such as carpets, cables, or foundations, you put them into their permanent position. A man came to lay the carpet. The verb lay in most of its meanings takes an object, and a general rule to remember is that if the word put, place,'' can be substituted in a sentence, then lay is the verb to use: Lay (= put, place) the …