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

On Europa, for example, the liquid water ocean overlays a rocky interior. —Mike Sori, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

The supermodel strutted down the catwalk in a black corset top and underwear overlaid with a sheer lace bolero and tights. —Violet Goldstone, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024

Noun

When in search of a stand-out detail, Bessette-Kennedy preferred to play with texture, rather than print–as evidenced by this tulle overlay. —Naomi Pike, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2024

Spider-Man 2 is just the latest in a big PC push from Sony, which also includes a PC overlay that launched in June alongside Ghost of Tsushima’s PC port. —Andrew Webster, The Verge, 18 Oct. 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