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

Inspectors also found a tray of cooked beef sitting on rotisserie equipment at an unsafe temperature for 20 minutes. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025

Starting Mix Fill up pots or a seed starting tray with pre-moistened seed starting mix or a DIY mix made with 1 part compost, 1 part vermiculite or perlite, and 2 parts coconut coir. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025

Simply clip it onto your tray table and attach your device with the magnetic phone holder. —Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 21 Jan. 2025

This Levoit humidifier, $99.99 at Walmart, includes a humidity sensor and an essential oil tray. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025

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