lay down

verb

laid down; laying down; lays down

transitive verb

1

: to give up : surrender

lay down your arms

2

a

: establish, prescribe

lay down a scale for a map

b

: to assert or command dogmatically

lay down the law

3

a

: store, preserve

laid down a young wine

b

: record

laying down songs for their new album

4

a

: to direct toward a target

lay down a barrage

b

: to hit along the ground

laid down a sacrifice bunt

intransitive verb

nonstandard : to lie down

Synonyms of lay down

• enact
• pass

Examples of lay down in a Sentence

the city council promises to lay down new ordinances that will force dog walkers to clean up after their animals

at the risk of their popularity, the parents laid down the rules for the party and wouldn't accept any arguments

Recent Examples on the Web

The new method dramatically reduced the setup process, giving them more time to remove the fire pit, lay down the foundation and assemble the pool. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

For extra flair, grab a floral wreath for a pop of color, or lay down this area rug for a cozy vibe. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

To remove all defenses and lay down the gauntlet. —Brody Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Translated from Chulym, the group’s name signifies a sacred place where warriors lay down their weapons and communicate diplomatically. —Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for lay down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Video

Lay vs. Lie

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

Kids Definition

lay down

verb

1

: establish sense 1, prescribe

lay down standards

2

: to state or declare forcefully

lay down the law