relay

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.

“Relay” is pronounced REE-lay (/ˈɹiːleɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “relay” used in a sentence: “She relayed the manager's instructions to the rest of the team.”

Depending on how it is used, “relay” can be a verb and a noun.

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.

“Relay” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.