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

Satyam said the devices can also give satellite views of the terrain, and overlay a picture of the weather to understand wind speed and relative humidity. —Kennedy Hayes, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025

Each tile features a blue star shape against a white backdrop, overlaid with a patterned centerpiece. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Noun

To our surprise, Ugg has a whole assortment of them, like this sleek pair with a leather upper and suede overlays that can be dressed up or down. POLO RALPH LAUREN Crew Socks (Pack of 3) $24 Amazon Looking for an A+ present? —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025

Undone overlays, animal prints and exaggerated whiskering and fading kept Roberto Cavalli’s collection youthful and glam. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overlay

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

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