overlays; overlaid
-ˈleɪd 
; overlaying
; overlaying
: to cover (something) with a layer of another material
—often + with
She overlaid the photograph with a piece of glass.
The tabletop is overlaid with marble.
—often used figurativelyHer song was overlaid with sad lyrics and melodic vocals.
plural overlays
1
: material that covers the complete surface or part of the surface of something and that changes its appearance
a silver ring with gold overlay
The wooden table has a marble overlay.
—often used figurativelyHer voice had an overlay of sadness. [=there was a sad quality in her voice]
2
: a transparent sheet with information or pictures on it that is placed on top of another sheet to change what is being shown
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/overlay. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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