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 of overlay

Verb

• coat
• cover
• 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

Gap Women’s Logo Hoodie Hooded Full Zip Sweatshirt Nothing’s more iconic than those three blocky letters overlaid on a sweatshirt, and now Gap’s hero design can be yours for less. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

If Western militaries can freely share data, the United States and its allies can overlay agentic AI models across the entire warfighting enterprise. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

Finished with a smooth, domed resin overlay that gives the artwork dimension and a polished finish. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Similar to many of Nike’s Halloween sneakers, the seasonal style also includes glow-in-the-dark elements on its TPU overlays, branding and visible Air units. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026

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
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• 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