overlay

1 of 2

verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā How to pronounce overlay (audio)
overlaid ˌō-vər-ˈlād How to pronounce overlay (audio) ; overlaying

transitive verb

1
a
: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose
b
: to prepare an overlay for
2

overlay

2 of 2

noun

over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā How to pronounce overlay (audio)
: 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
Verb
Some practitioners overlay the bagua onto the blueprint of an entire home, the top row justified with the southern side of the building, while others employ it room by room. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Essentially, the laptop can capture images via its camera then overlay digital information on the pictures and showcase them on the transparent screen. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, a feature called Field Goal Target Zones overlays multiple lines on the field that show the statistical likelihoods that a kicker will make a field goal. Chris Morris, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2023 The report is based on household survey data between 2010 and 2020, overlaid with temperature and rainfall data over 70 years. Somini Sengupta, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The result is Swiss efficiency overlaid with Italian charm, which is pretty much perfection in my book. Everett Potter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Other watermarks overlaid on the videos falsely indicated that the videos were uploaded to the celebrities’ Instagram profiles, rather than sent privately via Cameo. Kevin Collier, NBC News, 7 Dec. 2023 The conceit comes into its own in the scenes featuring supernatural elements (the witches, Banquo’s ghost) and during Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness, when eerie vocal echoes are overlaid on the dialogue. Houman Barekat, New York Times, 19 Dec. 2023 The video overlays the real world with 3D models of Atlas' hands and the object. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024
Noun
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 Instead of propelling audiences into fully immersive virtual realities, the trend is toward augmenting the physical environment with digital overlays that complement rather than replace the live viewing experience. Nate Lorenzen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Past research involving prismatic spectacles (glasses with stick-on overlays that cause distortions and displacement) suggests that people can adapt to significant visual disturbances, Ratan says. Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2024 California 310, 213, 818: Why Southern California is obsessed with area codes Jan. 26, 2021 The California Public Utilities Commission approved a proposal last year to add 738 to the mix as an overlay, meaning that it will be used in the same turf as 213 and 323. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 The information appears as an overlay that shows up directly on the lens. Emma Roth, The Verge, 9 Feb. 2024 With tracks that overlay vocalists and poets atop heavy synth, his unique strain of storytelling stands out in the genre. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overlay was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near overlay

Cite this Entry

“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

overlay

1 of 2 verb
over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā How to pronounce overlay (audio)
overlaid -ˈlād How to pronounce overlay (audio) ; overlaying
1
: to lay or spread over or across
2

overlay

2 of 2 noun
over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā How to pronounce overlay (audio)
: something (as a veneer on wood) that is overlaid

More from Merriam-Webster on overlay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!