lay down

verb

laid down; laying down; lays down
Synonyms of lay downnext

transitive verb

1
: to give up : surrender
lay down your arms
2
a
: establish, prescribe
lay down a scale for a map
b
: to assert or command dogmatically
lay down the law
3
a
: store, preserve
laid down a young wine
b
: record
laying down songs for their new album
4
a
: to direct toward a target
lay down a barrage
b
: to hit along the ground
laid down a sacrifice bunt

intransitive verb

nonstandard : to lie down

Synonyms of lay down

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Examples of lay down in a Sentence

the city council promises to lay down new ordinances that will force dog walkers to clean up after their animals at the risk of their popularity, the parents laid down the rules for the party and wouldn't accept any arguments
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.
Maria put on a mask against the putrid smell and lay down on the ground. — Philip Wang, Time, 29 June 2026 Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up, lay down and turn around inside their crate. — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 25 June 2026 For extra flair, grab a floral wreath for a pop of color, or lay down this area rug for a cozy vibe. — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 With runners on first and third, Alex Freeland laid down a bunt to Rasmussen. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lay down

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lay down was in the 13th century

Rhymes for lay down

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Browse Nearby Words

lay deacon
lay down
lay down one's arms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lay down

verb
1
: establish sense 1, prescribe
lay down standards
2
: to state or declare forcefully
lay down the law

More from Merriam-Webster on lay down

Nglish: Translation of lay down for Spanish Speakers

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