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
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
Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Drop feels even more claustrophobic when Landon overlays Violet’s messages onto the screen.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
The tiles also incorporate new text enhancements, like bolder text overlays that can pass behind objects in the photos, making monthly recaps and person-specific Memories easier to identify at a glance.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
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Verb
Split into northern and southern hemispheres, the celestial sphere containing the planets is overlaid with constellations and rotates to display the stars as viewed from Earth.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Drop feels even more claustrophobic when Landon overlays Violet’s messages onto the screen.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
Christopher Esber veiled tulle overlay gown $2,075 THE WEBSTER
A sheer tulle overlay on the bodice and sleeves is just right for the bride who doesn’t shy away from making a bold fashion statement.
—Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
The tiles also incorporate new text enhancements, like bolder text overlays that can pass behind objects in the photos, making monthly recaps and person-specific Memories easier to identify at a glance.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 13 Apr. 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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