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

These are not simply attentive and thoughtful touches, the kind of service that hands over a box of matches on a silver tray—staff are emotionally invested in the place and most have been with Shakti for over 10 years, so their sense of hospitality is unforced and from the heart. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The drawer interior is similarly lined in suede, with removal trays for jewelry organizing. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026

Roll balls in cereal mixture; place on prepared tray. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026

Their taste runs so deeply Hollywood, their references so opulent and cinematic, that even a drink tray—in its cream lacquer and chrome border—tempts a standing ovation. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 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