overlay

1 of 2

verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid ˌō-vər-ˈlād  ; overlaying

transitive verb

1

a

: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose

b

: to prepare an overlay for

2

: overlie sense 2

overlay

2 of 2

noun

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

Verb

• coat
• cover
• 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

Verb

That experience informed a two-story-tall scaffolding structure where 12 artists took turns live-painting, the latter’s work overlaying its predecessor’s. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 July 2025

Smart Glasses: Provide minimal immersion; digital content is overlaid in the real world, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. —Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Noun

The good news is the Addams family brings a completely unique overlay to everything. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025

The Disneyland Monorail and Autopia could easily get Fantastic Four overlays based on the new film. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overlay

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

overlay

1 of 2 verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid -ˈlād  ; 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