tray

noun

ˈtrā 

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

trayful

ˈtrā-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

She carried the tray of food to our table.

a car with several storage trays

Recent Examples on the Web

Yang asked her, pulling back a velvet curtain to reveal a plexiglass tray of sod on a white pedestal. —Charlotte Goddu, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

Dessert trays of Stella-logoed vanilla shortbread, panna cotta layered with mango and passionfruit, and coffee-chocolate mousse in porcelain cups proved irresistible. —Sasha Pinto, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025

Use it as a jewelry holder, bathroom tray, or a catchall tray on an entryway table. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025

Select pieces from Gaines’ Target collection are marked down, including this wooden tray that’s perfect for serving appetizers and snacks at upcoming holiday gatherings. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tray

• baking tray
• in tray
• litter tray
• out tray
• tea tray

Rhymes for tray

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

Kids Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

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

trayful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Medical Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: 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