tray

noun \ ˈtrā \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: tray in a Sentence

Definition of tray

: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

—

trayful

play \ˈtrā-ˌfu̇l\ noun

See tray defined for English-language learners

See tray defined for kids

Examples of tray in a Sentence

She carried the tray of food to our table.
a car with several storage trays

Recent Examples of tray from the Web

The Tour has a flip-out tray with multiple cup holders, a large storage compartment and a stow-away padded seat.

— sarah hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This isn't your grandma's walker. New Berlin's Motivo making a better walker with new financing.," 5 June 2018
The worker at Hot Dog Charlie’s slides a tray toward Larry with small Styrofoam plates filled with eight hot dogs, a Coke for Larry, and a Diet Coke for Jackson.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award finalist: "The Sweeper of Hair" by Karin Lin-Greenberg," 2 June 2018
His spectacles sit on a bedside table, while Cinzano, Bacardi and other bottles line a tray next to his favorite chair.

— patrick j. mcdonnell, latimes.com, "Preservation effort makes Hemingway's Cuba home look like he never left," 30 May 2018
In front of them is a tray for smartphones, and behind is a covered console box.

— g. chambers williams iii, Houston Chronicle, "Chevrolet Equinox turbo-diesel joins lineup," 19 May 2018
Place food in a tray, and the coatimundi will pull it up with a rope and pulley.

— vincent crampton, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Hernando County: This roadside attraction is alive and kicking," 6 May 2018
In addition to versions in two sizes and 11 colors, Blu Dot also sells a a matching tray that pops right on top for a stable, spill-friendly surface.

— emily heller, Curbed, "10 delightful ottomans under $200," 3 May 2018
Just aft of the e-bin charging area is a flip-top slot to perch a phone (which looks to be a repurposed ash tray).

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2019 Volvo XC40: Small but packed with innovation," 27 Apr. 2018
The coffee tray was just disgusting.’’ Hotel employees were aghast.

— derek hawkins, BostonGlobe.com, "For the mess he and a flock of seagulls left behind years ago, a man begs forgiveness," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tray

Middle English, from Old English trīg, trēg; akin to Old Swedish trø wooden grain measure and probably to Old English trēow tree — more at ¹tree

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

TRAY Defined for English Language Learners

tray

noun

Definition of tray for English Language Learners

: a thin, flat, and often rectangular piece of plastic, metal, wood, etc., that has a low rim and that is used for carrying things
: a container that has low sides and usually no top and that is used to hold something

TRAY Defined for Kids

tray

noun \ ˈtrā \

Definition of tray for Students

: an open container with a flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or showing articles

a waiter's tray

a tray of ice cubes

Medical Dictionary

tray

noun \ ˈtrā \

medical Definition of tray

: an appliance consisting of a flanged body and a handle for use in holding plastic material against the gums or teeth in making negative impressions for dentures