tray

noun

ˈtrā 

: 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

Waiters carried trays of champagne and mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026

Decorate with soft pinks and oranges that add warm energy and can easily be incorporated through small, inexpensive accents such as throw pillows, serving trays, or pitchers. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

Shower products are provided from fragrance-free brand Sans Ceuticals; a tray with bath salts and a bath tea is replenished every day. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

On a tiered silver tray were cheddar cheese and sweet pepper sandwiches, lemon madeleines and, of course, scones. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing tray

• baking tray
• in tray
• litter tray
• out tray
• tea tray

Rhymes for tray

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

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