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noun Common

laying

LAY-ihng
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Laying (noun) means the act of putting something down or of a bird producing eggs. Example: “The laying of the new carpet will take two days.”

noun
1
The act of putting something down or of a bird producing eggs.
"The laying of the new carpet will take two days."
"The laying of the foundation took most of the morning."
"Egg laying slows down in winter months."

How to use laying

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe action described by the verb "lay."

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Word forms

Plural
layings
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The _____ of the new carpet will take two days.

Related words

Rhymes for laying

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Frequently asked questions

What does “laying” mean?
The word “laying” means the act of putting something down or of a bird producing eggs. In plain terms, the action described by the verb "lay.".
How do you pronounce “laying”?
“Laying” is pronounced LAY-ihng (/ˈleɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “laying” in a sentence?
Here is “laying” used in a sentence: “The laying of the foundation took most of the morning.”
What part of speech is “laying”?
“Laying” is a noun.
Is “laying” a common word?
“Laying” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "laying" and "lying"?
"Laying" comes from "lay," which needs an object, as in "laying the book down" or a hen "laying eggs." "Lying" comes from "lie," which takes no object, as in "lying on the bed." A useful test: you lay something down, but you lie down yourself.
Is it "laying down" or "lying down"?
If you are putting something else down, use "laying," as in "laying the baby down." If you are reclining yourself, use "lying down." People often say "laying down" for reclining, but "lying down" is the standard form.

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