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

Cheddar Bay Biscuits weren't originally served at the table Red Lobster first served its signature biscuits on trays to hungry patrons waiting in the lobby, according to a news release. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 15 May 2024

There were tables of broken doll bodies, shelves of legs, trays of eyes, rows of vintage heads, faces peeking out of glass windows in cabinets, one with a single tear falling from her eye, another mid-scream. —Jessamine Chan, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 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