overlay

Definition

To lay, spread, or apply (something) over or across (something else); to overspread.

Etymology

From Middle English overleyen, from Old English oferleċġan, from Proto-West Germanic *obarlaggjan, from Proto-Germanic *uberlagjaną, equivalent to over- + lay. Cognate with Saterland Frisian uurläze, úurlääse, Dutch overleggen, German Low German overleggen, överleggen, German überlegen, Swedish överlägga, Norwegian overlegge. Compare overlie.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: cover, superimpose, superpose"
• "She will now overlay the crust with fruit."
• "She will now overlay fruit on top of the crust."

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