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

The metal roof also adds extra protection from hungry squirrels, while the baffle protects seeds in the feeding tray from rain. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026

This black walnut wood organizer tray provides compartmentalized storage for desk or drawer organization. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Muffin tins also make a fun snack or meal tray for kids, one that encourages them to try new foods. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Hilton, with a white chocolate race car on the welcome tray and a full kitchen running at 3 am, seems to have figured out what that looks like. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

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

Rhymes for tray

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

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