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

Those in a market that can buy a version with a SIM tray will get a 3,988mAh battery. —PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025

The air fryer itself is easy to clean by pulling the trays out and wiping the inside with a wet cloth. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

The cover photo was of a hospital cafeteria tray. —Sarah Adler september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025

For more gorgeous pieces from the MacKenzie-Childs sale, check out our top picks below with everything from shimmery vanity trays to vibrant kitchenware, floral rugs, patterned furniture, and wall decor. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 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