overlay
4 synonyms for overlay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To lay or spread one thing over another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To lay or spread one thing over another.
“The designer overlaid the map with a grid of coordinates.”
How to use overlay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
video overlay
text overlay
overlay a map
Etymology
From Old English oferleċġan, built from over- + lay; German überlegen is a cognate.
Full origin of overlay →Frequently asked questions
What does “overlay” mean?
The word “overlay” means to lay or spread one thing over another. In plain terms, something (or the act of putting something) placed on top of something else, often to add information or a visual effect.
How do you pronounce “overlay”?
“Overlay” is pronounced oh-vuh-LAY (/ˌoʊvɚˈleɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “overlay” in a sentence?
Here is “overlay” used in a sentence: “The app shows a translation overlay on top of the camera view.”
What part of speech is “overlay”?
Depending on how it is used, “overlay” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “overlay” come from?
The word “overlay” comes from Old English. From Old English oferleċġan, built from over- + lay; German überlegen is a cognate.
Is “overlay” a common word?
“Overlay” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “overlay” have?
“Overlay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to lay or spread one thing over another.
