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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Her dress featured intricate designs embellished with sequins and overlaid on a sheer fabric. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 Lamont’s work overlays Elmer Fudd, Popeye, Fred Jones, and Fred Flintsone—iconic figures in white pop culture—over scenes of Black oppression and Black resistance. Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
Space Mountain will be getting a holiday overlay, as will the Jungle Cruise ride, which will temporarily become Jingle Cruise, and other attractions. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024 Other details haven’t been announced, but historically, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has gotten a holiday overlay. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overlay 

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 4 Dec. 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
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