tray

noun

: 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.
Foil trays brimmed with the brothers’ favorite food: chicken wings. Javon Huynh, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 An additional five droppings were found inside the cutlery storage container as well as on a storage tray. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025 The Italian touch was evident throughout the store, as trays of quiche, arancini balls and cocktails circulated around the room to guests decked in Tod’s looks. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 To add to the English-club shtick, that chili dog, caviar or club sandwich is served on a silver serving tray with a glass cloche. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2025 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 28 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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