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
Synonyms
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
Leah Groth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
The messages were overlaid with text falsely claiming that the celebrities were calling for those leaders to step down.
—Kevin Collier, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2024
First a new ‘Sub Tab’ row of ‘For You’, ‘Live’ and ‘Apps’ jumping off points has been overlaid across the bottom of the advertising section that runs along the top third or so of the home screen.
—John Archer, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
To do this, the police department chose Legos, overlaying Lego heads on the heads of suspects in photos shared on its social media.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024
By allowing users to overlay multiple screens onto their physical space, Vision Pro offers a customizable viewing experience that can be tailored to each fan's preference.
—Nate Lorenzen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The evolution is rooted in California’s diverse economy, overlaid by waves of immigration from other nations.
—Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024
The settlement overlays a detailed structure for how this money must be used moving forward — with the intent of reaching more of the students most in need — and with more safeguards.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Orthogonal Latin squares are formed by overlaying two Latin squares so there is a pair of numbers in each space.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024
Katrina Cossey, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Scout wowed in a strapless hot pink dress with a black lace overlay and black tights.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Galaxy’s Edge through the duration of the event, as well as the return of Space Mountain overlay Hyperspace Mountain and a new free scavenger hunt that aims to get players to pay close attention to the minute details of Galaxy’s Edge.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
The bodice is made of soft chiffon and has a tulle overlay, beautifully embroidered with a lovely ivory and pink floral pattern.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024
The update was a popular request among the Sims community — dozens of vitiligo overlays already existed, created as custom content by players and available to download online.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024
Providing more options for dramatic skies, overlays that give your photos more depth and style, and look-up tables (LUTs) to create specific effects on demand, these plug-ins effortlessly give your shots more drama.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 16 Mar. 2024
To nail the vibe, opt for visually-intriguing styles that are gathered at the hem or shoulder; with asymmetric detailing or cape-like overlays.
—Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024
The dress is also outfitted with a pretty lacy overlay that gives it a more elevated look, one that’s suitable for springtime weddings, holidays, and other special occasions.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024
Verb
GGOs, in contrast, cause a haziness that overlays an area of the lung.
—Leah Groth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
The messages were overlaid with text falsely claiming that the celebrities were calling for those leaders to step down.
—Kevin Collier, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2024
First a new ‘Sub Tab’ row of ‘For You’, ‘Live’ and ‘Apps’ jumping off points has been overlaid across the bottom of the advertising section that runs along the top third or so of the home screen.
—John Archer, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
To do this, the police department chose Legos, overlaying Lego heads on the heads of suspects in photos shared on its social media.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024
By allowing users to overlay multiple screens onto their physical space, Vision Pro offers a customizable viewing experience that can be tailored to each fan's preference.
—Nate Lorenzen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The evolution is rooted in California’s diverse economy, overlaid by waves of immigration from other nations.
—Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024
The settlement overlays a detailed structure for how this money must be used moving forward — with the intent of reaching more of the students most in need — and with more safeguards.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Orthogonal Latin squares are formed by overlaying two Latin squares so there is a pair of numbers in each space.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024
Noun
The soft lace overlay on the Dairy Fairy Ruby Nursing and Pumping Bra will make anyone feel good without giving up comfort.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Scout wowed in a strapless hot pink dress with a black lace overlay and black tights.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Galaxy’s Edge through the duration of the event, as well as the return of Space Mountain overlay Hyperspace Mountain and a new free scavenger hunt that aims to get players to pay close attention to the minute details of Galaxy’s Edge.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
The bodice is made of soft chiffon and has a tulle overlay, beautifully embroidered with a lovely ivory and pink floral pattern.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024
The update was a popular request among the Sims community — dozens of vitiligo overlays already existed, created as custom content by players and available to download online.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024
Providing more options for dramatic skies, overlays that give your photos more depth and style, and look-up tables (LUTs) to create specific effects on demand, these plug-ins effortlessly give your shots more drama.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 16 Mar. 2024
To nail the vibe, opt for visually-intriguing styles that are gathered at the hem or shoulder; with asymmetric detailing or cape-like overlays.
—Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024
The dress is also outfitted with a pretty lacy overlay that gives it a more elevated look, one that’s suitable for springtime weddings, holidays, and other special occasions.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overlay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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