tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

ˈtrā-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

She carried the tray of food to our table.

a car with several storage trays

Recent Examples on the Web

And while the news wasn’t good for everyone, the party featured a couple of trays from King Eggroll — a San Jose staple that gets the nod for appetizer of the night. —Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Pastries are shared at the end of tapings Once judging is done and filming days conclude, the Bake Off team puts together a tray of the different baked goods so contestants can taste one another's creations, per Love Productions. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tray with cooking spray. —Alyssa Sybertz, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024

To accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or dairy-free diners—and to lighten things up so folks don’t get too full before the feast—consider a veggie tray with fresh vegetables, hummus, baba ganoush, pita chips, and nuts. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trīg, trēg; akin to Old Swedish trø wooden grain measure and probably to Old English trēow tree — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tray

• baking tray
• in tray
• litter tray
• out tray
• tea tray

Kids Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an open container with flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Medical Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: an appliance consisting of a flanged body and a handle for use in holding plastic material against the gums or teeth in making negative impressions for dentures