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

If assembling a cheese board isn’t happening this week, this tray does it for you. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026

Alternatively, plant them in plug trays or milk jugs, a common method of winter sowing. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Inside, the Chuk box houses a series of three shelves that vary in depth to the extent that Chuk labels them a shelf, a tray and a drawer. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026

Pie tins, canisters, trays, and measuring cups also often featured advertising, so scan items carefully. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 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
• ice cube 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