laying
Translation
to lay, to place, to put down, to set
Examples
She is laying the table for dinner.
She is laying the table for dinner.
The hen is laying an egg.
The hen is laying an egg.
They are laying a new carpet.
They are laying a new carpet.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((somewhere)) to put (sth.) down carefully in a flat position. She is laying the book on the table.
((of a bird, etc.)) to produce an egg from its body. The chicken is laying an egg.
Similar Words
Synonyms: place, put, set; Note: Do not confuse with 'lie' (to recline).
Etymology
From Old English 'lecgan', meaning 'to place'.
Memory Tips
Remember the phrase 'A hen lays an egg'. The 'a' in 'lay' can help distinguish it from 'lie'.