tray
tray
Tray (noun) means a flat, rigid object used for carrying or holding items. Example: “She carried the drinks over on a tray.”
noun
1
A flat, rigid object used for carrying or holding items.
"She carried the drinks over on a tray."
"Put the mail in the tray on my desk."
"The waiter balanced a tray of glasses on one hand."
2
A removable compartment inside a device where an item is loaded.
"The printer's paper tray was empty again."
"Slide the disc into the tray and press the button to close it."
"The SIM tray on this phone is hidden on the side."
How to use tray
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tray is a flat surface for carrying things, or a slide-out compartment in a machine (like a paper tray or CD tray).
Common pairings
serving tray
paper tray
ice cube tray
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Word forms
- Plural
- trays
- Third person singular
- trays
- Past tense
- trayed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She carried the drinks over on a _____.
Etymology
From Old English trēg, "wooden board" — related to "tree" and "trough."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tray
See all rhymes for tray →Frequently asked questions
What does “tray” mean?
The word “tray” means a flat, rigid object used for carrying or holding items. In plain terms, a tray is a flat surface for carrying things, or a slide-out compartment in a machine (like a paper tray or CD tray).
How do you pronounce “tray”?
“Tray” is pronounced tray (/tɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tray” in a sentence?
Here is “tray” used in a sentence: “She carried the drinks over on a tray.”
What part of speech is “tray”?
“Tray” is a noun.
Where does the word “tray” come from?
The word “tray” comes from Old English. From Old English trēg, "wooden board" — related to "tree" and "trough.".
Is “tray” a common word?
“Tray” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tray” have?
“Tray” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat, rigid object used for carrying or holding items.
What is the difference between a tray and a plate?
A tray is a flat, rigid object designed to carry or hold multiple items at once, often with raised edges, while a plate is a single flat dish meant to hold one person's food. A tray is typically used for transport, such as carrying several dishes or drinks together.
What does 'tray' mean in the context of a computer or device?
In devices, a tray refers to a removable compartment that slides out to load an item, such as a CD tray or a paper tray in a printer. This is a distinct, more technical sense from the everyday household object used for carrying things.
What is a common collocation using the word tray?
Common collocations include 'baking tray,' 'serving tray,' 'lunch tray,' and 'tray table,' all referring to flat carrying surfaces for food or items. 'Loading tray' or 'disc tray' are typical for the device-compartment sense.
