over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā 
overlaid
ˌō-vər-ˈlād
; overlaying
; overlaying
1
a
: to lay or spread over or across : superimpose
b
: to prepare an overlay for
2
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
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
Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
EagleEye’s heads-up display (HUD) overlays digital information directly onto the operator’s real-world view.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Harry Bennett, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Both colorways feature overlays that appear to be made out of bouclé or chenille and feature rough edges.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
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Verb
Goldman is recommending adding downside hedges such as S & P 500 options overlays with drawdown probabilities at current levels.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
EagleEye’s heads-up display (HUD) overlays digital information directly onto the operator’s real-world view.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
The target lock feature was also useful for helping others find your target by pointing in the direction of the overlay.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Both colorways feature overlays that appear to be made out of bouclé or chenille and feature rough edges.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlay. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overlay
1 of 2 verb
over·lay
ˌō-vər-ˈlā
overlaid
-ˈlād
; overlaying
; 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
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