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 of overlay

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

Every braking point, apex and throttle input from his previous best was overlaid on his track view. —Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

The tattoos are outlined in black, as seen on their Instagram Stories, and are also displayed in their black-and-white Instagram carousel overlaid with the colorless filter. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Noun

Crews are applying a polyester concrete overlay to the bridge deck, a process that requires time to properly cure before the roadway can reopen. —Conor McGill, CBS News, 31 May 2026

Vendors who can demonstrate real internal adoption, measurable outcomes, and a transferable methodology will stand out from those offering AI as an aspirational overlay. —Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

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
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• 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