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
Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The feline appears to hiss at the newcomers, according to another note overlaid on the clip.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Caroline Reid, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
When layers of circuit patterns are imprinted one on top of the other, precise overlay control is essential to ensure the vias, vertical connections between layers that transmit signals and power, are properly aligned.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overlay 
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Verb
Club Dispersion Patterns: Users can view personalized club accuracy patterns overlaid on maps of golf holes within the Bushnell Golf app, providing clear visual indicators to guide club selection and course management decisions.
—Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The feline appears to hiss at the newcomers, according to another note overlaid on the clip.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
The Winter Wonderland overlay sees Ski Dubai scattered with igloos and snowmen made from actual snow whilst icy walls are wrapped in fairy lights and the chalets are bristling with baubles and tinsel.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
When layers of circuit patterns are imprinted one on top of the other, precise overlay control is essential to ensure the vias, vertical connections between layers that transmit signals and power, are properly aligned.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 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 20 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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