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
Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
But the evening’s most memorable moment was its first: a stunning tracking shot of Regina King sauntering into the station, overlaid with funky opening credits.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Later, as slow-motion scenes of a horse overlay cancan dancers and the men bond through a haze of booze and fresh air, Pierre reminisces on the prairies and the stars.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overlay 
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Verb
Even casual market observers recognize this relationship but seeing both overlaid on a chart really emphasizes the connection.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
But the evening’s most memorable moment was its first: a stunning tracking shot of Regina King sauntering into the station, overlaid with funky opening credits.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
Snapchat filters or lenses as they are often known are a popular way to personalize images and videos on the app using design overlays that can change the appearance of everything on screen.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Later, as slow-motion scenes of a horse overlay cancan dancers and the men bond through a haze of booze and fresh air, Pierre reminisces on the prairies and the stars.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
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 21 Feb. 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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