over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā 
overlaid
ˌō-vər-ˈlād
; overlaying
; overlaying
1
a
: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose
b
: to prepare an overlay for
2
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
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
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In the Prime Video clip overlaid with a theme track, the protagonist can be seen preparing to do battle against enemies who have arrived at his house, as the tension ratchets up.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Angela Lei, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Years ago, the property had a Planned Unit Development overlay for a Dell Webb branded housing community that has since expired, planning officials said.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlay 
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Verb
During Saturday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, the Madden Cast on Peacock will overlay video game routes and play call options on top of the action.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In the Prime Video clip overlaid with a theme track, the protagonist can be seen preparing to do battle against enemies who have arrived at his house, as the tension ratchets up.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
Featuring padded cups, spaghetti straps, and an elasticated base with a mesh overlay, this piece is chic on its own or layered underneath an oversized black blazer for a touch of nonchalant cool.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Years ago, the property had a Planned Unit Development overlay for a Dell Webb branded housing community that has since expired, planning officials said.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlay
Dictionary Entries Near overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overlay
1 of 2 verb
over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā
overlaid
-ˈlād
; overlaying
; 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
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