lay 1 verb ( past and past participle laid /le?d/ ) 1 [ with object and adverbial of place ] put (something) down gently or carefully: she laid the baby in his cot [ with object ] prevent (something) from rising off the ground: there may have been the odd light shower just to lay the dust 2 [ with object ] put down and set in position for use: it is advisable to have your carpet laid by a professional British set cutlery, crockery, etc. on (a table) in preparation for a meal: she laid the table for dinner (often be laid with ) cover (a surface) with objects or a substance: the floor was laid with mattresses ut the material for (a fire) in place and arrange it: he was making newspaper knots before laying a fire in the fireplace repare (a trap) for someone: she wouldn't put it past him to lay a trap for her work out (an idea or suggestion) in detail ready for use or presentation: I'd like more time to lay my plans ( lay something before ) present information or suggestions to be considered and acted upon by (someone): he laid before Parliament proposals for the establishment of the committee locate (an episode in a play, novel, etc.) in a particular place: no one who knew the area could be in doubt where the scene was laid [ with object ] stake (an amount of money) in a bet: she suspected he