overlay

1 of 2

verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid ˌō-vər-ˈlād  ; overlaying

transitive verb

1

a

: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose

b

: to prepare an overlay for

2

: overlie sense 2

overlay

2 of 2

noun

over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā 

: a covering either permanent or temporary: such as

a

: an ornamental veneer

b

: a decorative and contrasting design or article placed on top of a plain one

c

: a transparent sheet containing graphic matter to be superimposed on another sheet

Synonyms

Verb

• blanket
• carpet
• coat
• cover
• overlie
• overspread
• sheet

Examples of overlay in a Sentence

Verb

you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint

cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof

Noun

a silver ring with gold overlay

The wooden table has a marble overlay.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The montage, overlaid with a message from Princess Kate, opened with the Wales family on a walk outdoors, followed by footage of Princess Kate driving a car and solo shots of her. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

Frank tested this theory too, using government data on infant mortality, overlaid with the spread of white nose syndrome. —Benji Jones, Vox, 5 Sep. 2024

Noun

The airport's sole runway will receive a 3-inch mill and overlay of the 75 feet of the runway center section which is the portion of the runway that is used a majority of the time by the airport's most critical aircraft. —Kerria Weaver, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2024

All animations in this story are inspired by game overlays from Sims 4. —Chloe Meister, Washington Post, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overlay

1 of 2 verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid -ˈlād  ; overlaying

1

: to lay or spread over or across

2

: overlie

overlay

2 of 2 noun

over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā 

: something (as a veneer on wood) that is overlaid