relay
5 synonyms for relay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pass on information received from one person or source to another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
pass on
baton race
How to use relay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
relay a message
relay race
relay team
Etymology
From Old French relai, originally referring to a reserve pack of hounds kept fresh to continue a hunt.
Full origin of relay →Frequently asked questions
What does “relay” mean?
The word “relay” means to pass on information received from one person or source to another. In plain terms, to pass something along — a message, a signal, or a baton in a race.
How do you pronounce “relay”?
“Relay” is pronounced REE-lay (/ˈɹiːleɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “relay” in a sentence?
Here is “relay” used in a sentence: “She relayed the manager's instructions to the rest of the team.”
What part of speech is “relay”?
Depending on how it is used, “relay” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “relay” come from?
The word “relay” comes from Old French. From Old French relai, originally referring to a reserve pack of hounds kept fresh to continue a hunt.
Is “relay” a common word?
“Relay” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “relay” have?
“Relay” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pass on information received from one person or source to another.
What is the difference between relay and transmit?
Relay means to pass on information that has already been received from one person or source to another, implying an intermediate step. Transmit is broader and simply means to send or communicate something, whether or not it passed through an intermediary first. A person relays a message they heard, while a device can transmit a signal directly from its origin.
What is a relay in sports?
In sports, a relay is a race or competition in which team members take turns completing part of the course, such as a relay race in track and field or swimming. Each team member covers one leg of the race before passing a baton or touching off the next runner.
What does relay mean in electronics?
In electronics, a relay is a switch operated by an electric current that is used to control a larger circuit. It allows a small control signal to switch on or off a much larger electrical load safely.
