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
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In the Prime Video clip overlaid with a theme track, the protagonist can be seen preparing to do battle against enemies who have arrived at his house, as the tension ratchets up.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024
But a modern Windows OS means that handheld device makers like ASUS and Lenovo have to develop and shoehorn in overlays to resemble the look, feel, and functionality of a Steam Deck.
—Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlay 
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Verb
During Saturday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, the Madden Cast on Peacock will overlay video game routes and play call options on top of the action.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In the Prime Video clip overlaid with a theme track, the protagonist can be seen preparing to do battle against enemies who have arrived at his house, as the tension ratchets up.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
The dress featured floral elements on the fabric, along with a sheer overlay and billowing short sleeves.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024
But a modern Windows OS means that handheld device makers like ASUS and Lenovo have to develop and shoehorn in overlays to resemble the look, feel, and functionality of a Steam Deck.
—Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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 5 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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