plural relays
1
: a race between teams in which each team member runs, swims, etc., a different part of the race
I'm running (in) the relay at tomorrow's track meet.
the 4x100 relay [=a relay with four parts that are 100 meters each]
Our relay team is training for next weekend's race.
2
: the act of passing something from one person or device to another
a satellite relay of a television signal
(baseball) The shortstop's relay (throw) from center field was too late to catch the runner at home.
also
: a system for doing this
We set up a relay to carry buckets of water to the campsite.
a satellite relay system
3
: a group of people, horses, etc., that takes the place of others so that something (such as a job or an activity) is done continuously
They worked in relays to clear the rubble.
4
technical
: a device that is used to cause a switch to open or close automatically when there is a change in the current that is flowing through a circuit
an electromagnetic relay
rɪˈleɪ
relays; relayed; relaying
: to pass (something, such as a message or information) from one person or device to another
Messengers on horseback relayed battle plans to the front lines.
Please relay the news to the rest of the team.
—often used as (be) relayedThis report is being relayed to us by our crew at the scene of the accident.
Data relayed from the aircraft will be recorded on the ground.
Cite this Entry
“Relay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/relay. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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