rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytrayShallow container
noun

tray

TRAY/treɪ/

A flat, shallow container for holding or carrying items.

The shallow tray holds a cup and plate within its raised rim.

A shallow rectangular serving tray with a clearly visible flat base, raised rim and two integral handles, holding a cup and a small plate.
Etymology
trayOld Englishflat wooden board with a low rim

The Old English ancestor already named a flat wooden board with a low rim. The modern meaning preserves that basic shape and carrying function without requiring the object to be wooden.

In context

Reynard Lowell1:31
functionally it serves as a place to hold some books a tray for our keys and plenty of storage space to keep all our shoes organized
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More examples

  • Place the cookies on a baking tray.
  • A tray on my desk holds incoming mail.
  • Students return their trays after lunch.

Forms

tray · trays

Similar words

platter
A large, flat dish specifically for serving food.
pan
Typically used for cooking or baking rather than carrying items.