tray

noun

Synonyms of traynext
: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles
trayful 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
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.
When his cellmate brought in two lunch trays, Brown didn't respond. Christopher Damien, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026 The timeframe to start annual herbs in seed starting trays ranges from 4 to 8 weeks before your area’s expected last spring frost. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026 One diary entry details an ironing board and a winter coat shuffling out of a closet to dance a jig with a TV tray. Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 Chairs have ample legroom, fold-down trays, power outlets, and reading lights. Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tray

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tray was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Tray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tray. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

tray

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

Medical Definition

tray

noun
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tray

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