First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
tray
noun \ˈtrā\
: a thin, flat, and often rectangular piece of plastic, metal, wood, etc., that has a low rim and that is used for carrying things
: a container that has low sides and usually no top and that is used to hold something
Full Definition of TRAY
: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles
— tray·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
See tray defined for English-language learners
See tray defined for kids
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Origin of TRAY
Middle English, from Old English trīg, trēg; akin to Old Swedish trø wooden grain measure and probably to Old English trēow tree — more at tree
Rhymes with TRAY
a, ae, bay, bey, blae, brae, bray, chez, clay, Cray, day, dey, dray, eh, fay, fey, flay, fley, frae, fray, Frey, gay, Gay, gey, gley, gray, hay, he, hey, Hue, j, jay, Jay, k, kay, Kay, lay, lei, may, nay, né, née, neigh, Ney, pay, pe, play, pray, prey, qua, quai, quay, Rae, ray, re, say, shay, slay, sleigh, spae, spay, Spey, splay, spray, stay, stray, sway, Tay, they, trey, way, weigh, whey, yea
TRAY Defined for Kids
tray
noun \ˈtrā\
Definition of TRAY for Kids
: an open container with a flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or showing articles <a waiter's tray> <a tray of ice cubes>
Medical Dictionary
tray
noun \ˈtrā\
Medical Definition of TRAY
: an appliance consisting of a flanged body and a handle for use in holding plastic material against the gums or teeth in making negative impressions for dentures
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