tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

ˈtrā-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

She carried the tray of food to our table.

a car with several storage trays

Recent Examples on the Web

MacKenzie-Childs Tartan Red Rattan Party Serving Tray With this darling MacKenzie-Childs serving tray, you’re bound to be the hostess with the mostess come the holiday season. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

Xu suggests placing your reed diffusers on a tray or coaster to avoid this scenario. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025

The optional ambient lighting and an aromatherapy tray features add to the calming vibe for winding down before bed. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

This gorgeous red marble tray from Westbourne is the latest addition to my setup. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trīg, trēg; akin to Old Swedish trø wooden grain measure and probably to Old English trēow tree — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tray

• baking tray
• in tray
• litter tray
• out tray
• tea tray

Rhymes for tray

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an open container with flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Medical Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an appliance consisting of a flanged body and a handle for use in holding plastic material against the gums or teeth in making negative impressions for dentures