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
Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio's broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences, and social.
—EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The visible Air unit, elephant-print overlays and high ankle silhouette nodded to classic Jordan design, while distressed denim shorts and a bright cobalt T-shirt kept the look unfussy.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
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Verb
These routines are highly edited, almost hypnotic, with quick cuts, each mini-scene overlaid with a time stamp.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio's broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences, and social.
—EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
The University Neighborhood overlay, first established in 2004, has helped facilitate the development of more than 10,000 units or bedrooms in West Campus, according to a city website outlining the proposal.
—Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The visible Air unit, elephant-print overlays and high ankle silhouette nodded to classic Jordan design, while distressed denim shorts and a bright cobalt T-shirt kept the look unfussy.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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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