Lay/leɪ/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Physical Positioning Used when positioning objects carefully on a surface. Please lay the napkins on the table. Pro Tip 2/3Start of Process Marks the beginning of an action that requires preparation. They started to lay the pieces for the puzzle. Pro Tip 3/3Intentional Placement Emphasizes deliberate and precise placement, not random. The gardener lay each stone with care.