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

Put a tray or a sheet of foil underneath casseroles, desserts, and other dishes to catch drips and spills. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 May 2026

Don’t forget to clean the drip tray underneath the spout and the slide-out tray that catches condensation. —Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Place the tray in the freezer until the pieces are frozen solid. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026

If possible, choose biodegradable pots and avoid using seed-starting trays. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026

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