laying
Translation
laying, placing, setting down, producing (an egg)
Examples
She is laying the book on the table.
She is laying the book on the table.
They are laying new carpet in the hall.
They are laying new carpet in the hall.
The hen is laying an egg.
The hen is laying an egg.
Grammar Patterns
laying ((sth.)) ((somewhere)) to put something down carefully She is laying the plates on the table.
laying ((an egg)) to produce an egg The chicken is laying an egg.
Similar Words
Synonyms: placing, putting, setting. Note: Do not confuse with 'lying' (from the intransitive verb 'to lie').
Etymology
From Old English 'lecgan', 'to place on the ground'. This is a transitive verb.
Memory Tips
'Lay' always takes an object (lay something down). 'Lie' does not (I lie down).