splay

1 of 3

verb

ˈsplā 

splayed; splaying; splays

transitive verb

1

: to cause to spread outward

2

: to make oblique : bevel

intransitive verb

1

: to extend apart or outward especially in an awkward manner

2

: slope, slant

splay

2 of 3

noun

1

: a slope or bevel especially of the sides of a door or window

2

: spread, expansion

splay

3 of 3

adjective

1

: turned outward

splay knees

2

: awkward, ungainly

Examples of splay in a Sentence

Verb

He sat with his legs splayed apart.

She splayed her fingers to show off her manicure.

His fingers splayed out over the table as he steadied himself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The stadium went silent in the 14th minute when Abunada was left splayed out on the grass after Remo Freuler rammed his leg into the keeper’s head in the box. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

But this series is now tied 2-2 after the Hurricanes regained their composure to score the final two goals — the go-ahead one by Jordan Staal as he was splayed out onto his stomach — and win 5-3. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 June 2026

Noun

The fin on the fish’s back breaks the water first, then the delicate splay of its tail. —Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

The wide toe box for foot splay and limited structure allows the foot to naturally strengthen. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Available in wide and extra-wide sizes, these boots allow your toes to naturally splay. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Our thoughts went back to the splay-foot tracks. —Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English splaien "to unfurl, spread out, spread-eagle, split (a fish) lengthwise and lay open," aphetic form of displaien "to unfurl (a banner), spread (the arms), display entry 1"

Noun

derivative of splay entry 1

Adjective

derivative of splay entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for splay

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

splay

verb

ˈsplā

: to spread out or apart

a colt with legs splayed out