lay-by

1 of 2

noun

1
British : turnout sense 2b
2
: the final operation (such as a last cultivating) in the growing of a field crop

lay by

2 of 2

verb

laid by; laying by; lays by

transitive verb

1
: to lay aside : discard
2
: to store for future use : save
3
: to cultivate (a crop, such as corn) for the last time

Examples of lay-by in a Sentence

Verb a politician who had laid by his principles years ago ever since the last hurricane caught them unprepared, they have laid by emergency supplies
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
And this financial package includes funds for equipment to clear mines laid by Russia, which is a big problem for Ukraine's military and the counteroffensive obstacles that have impeded Ukraine's progress, as well as $203 million to root out graft in Ukrainian institutions. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023 Although galls can be provoked by bacteria, fungi or nematodes, the irritant is most often eggs laid by tiny native wasps, mites or other insects. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2023 How this happened presents an ongoing scientific mystery, especially since the eggs laid by pterosaurs changed little in size as the dinosaurs grew to become monsters. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023 Despite starting his career with consecutive winning seasons — a more successful foundation than those laid by Bill Belichick and Andy Reid, Jimmy Johnson and Don Coryell — Staley’s very competence was doubted. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2023 James also makes fine use of black-and-white stills, some framed in the usual documentary style, others gently laid by a visible hand on a surface, tangible representation of a tricky story. Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2023 In your downtime, Gwyneth invites you to lay by her pool or embark on one of her favorite hikes. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2023 Summer is a great time for laying by the pool, spending afternoons at the beach, and enjoying delicious seafood dishes right on the boardwalk. Brittany Natale, Redbook, 28 July 2023 Distant explosions set off by animals stepping on mines laid by the Russians are a reminder that this land from the past is very much part of the present. Marc Santora Emile Ducke, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lay-by.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1939, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lay-by was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lay-by

Cite this Entry

“Lay-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay-by. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

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