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
Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The lightest is then used for the sidewall overlays, lace cover and the laces themselves, while the upper’s base and tongue serves as the middleground.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
As part of an larger asphalt overlay group project, Carmel Knolls Drive will be resurfaced from Carmel Canyon Road to Aida Street, near Carmel Knolls Park, and Carmel Country Road will be smoothed out from Del Mar Heights and Townsgate Drive, along the frontage of the Carmel Country Plaza.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlay
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Verb
Interview Coder was a transparent window that could overlay one side of a Zoom meeting, allowing Claude to listen in on the questions and provide answers.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The lightest is then used for the sidewall overlays, lace cover and the laces themselves, while the upper’s base and tongue serves as the middleground.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
Previous editions of the model all featured a mesh base with suede overlays, but the forthcoming dark look features leather for both elements.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
As part of an larger asphalt overlay group project, Carmel Knolls Drive will be resurfaced from Carmel Canyon Road to Aida Street, near Carmel Knolls Park, and Carmel Country Road will be smoothed out from Del Mar Heights and Townsgate Drive, along the frontage of the Carmel Country Plaza.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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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