over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā 
overlaid
ˌō-vər-ˈlād
; overlaying
; overlaying
1
a
: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose
b
: to prepare an overlay for
2
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
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
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Other new features include Luma Key, a filter video based on brightness values that removes black backgrounds from input sources and is suitable for overlaying lower thirds, titles, logos and animations.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
During the discussion, park leaders revisited the various overlays and color schemes Cinderella Castle has been decorated with over the years.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
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Verb
Real-time video feeds overlay critical data, including vehicle status, ammunition levels, and targeting information.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Other new features include Luma Key, a filter video based on brightness values that removes black backgrounds from input sources and is suitable for overlaying lower thirds, titles, logos and animations.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
The overlay permit is required to allow Omni to raze the structure.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
During the discussion, park leaders revisited the various overlays and color schemes Cinderella Castle has been decorated with over the years.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overlay
1 of 2 verb
over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā
overlaid
-ˈlād
; overlaying
; 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
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