tray

noun

ˈtrā

Synonyms of tray

: an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

ˈtrā-ˌfu̇l

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

She carried the tray of food to our table. a car with several storage trays

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Foam trays used for meat sitting on shelves above equipment weren’t in their original packaging, which keeps them clean. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 The side fan tray is actually designed to support either 120mm or 140mm fans, but when Corsair moved it 18mm rearward from its original position to make room for its 200mm front fans, that blocked the side bracket’s 140mm screw slots. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 The whole scene had a slightly early-aughts feel, right down to a tray of cigarettes. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026 The food Food is solid and plentiful, its impending arrival signaled by a flight attendant bringing down your tray table and laying upon it a white napkin-as-tablecloth. — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tray

Word History

Etymology

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 entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tray was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tray. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā

: an open container with flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles

trayful

-ˌfu̇l

noun

Medical Definition

tray

noun

ˈtrā

: 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

tray

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

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tray

noun

Examples of tray in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing tray

Rhymes for tray

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on tray

More from Merriam-Webster

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