overlay

1 of 2

verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid ˌō-vər-ˈlād  ; overlaying

transitive verb

1

a

: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose

b

: to prepare an overlay for

2

: overlie sense 2

overlay

2 of 2

noun

over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā 

: a covering either permanent or temporary: such as

a

: an ornamental veneer

b

: a decorative and contrasting design or article placed on top of a plain one

c

: a transparent sheet containing graphic matter to be superimposed on another sheet

Synonyms

Verb

• blanket
• carpet
• coat
• cover
• overlie
• overspread
• sheet

Examples of overlay in a Sentence

Verb

you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint

cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof

Noun

a silver ring with gold overlay

The wooden table has a marble overlay.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Indeed, discussions about the nature of infinity, both mathematical and philosophical, are overlaid by Morgan over this simplified history to give it a veneer of existential profundity — as well as a glimpse into this protagonist’s past. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024

Such reports confirmed that Israel’s intelligence system had rigid assumptions of Hamas behavior, overlaid with a racial arrogance that considered Palestinians incapable of such a large-scale operation. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overlay

1 of 2 verb

over·​lay ˌō-vər-ˈlā 

overlaid -ˈlād  ; overlaying

1

: to lay or spread over or across

2

: overlie

overlay

2 of 2 noun

over·​lay ˈō-vər-ˌlā 

: something (as a veneer on wood) that is overlaid