lay by

B2 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To save something (usually money) for later; or in British shops, to ask them to keep something for you while you pay for it slowly.

Literal meaning: To place something 'by' (to the side) — keeping it nearby but not in immediate use.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

uncommon

To save money by putting it aside regularly for future needs.

"She laid by a little from each pay cheque to cover Christmas expenses."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 neutral

uncommon

(British/Australian retail) To reserve goods in a shop, paying for them in stages before collecting them.

"I've got the coat on lay-by at the boutique — I'm paying it off over the next two months."

Grammar: separable

3 B2 neutral

common

(Of a ship or vehicle) to stop and remain stationary in a designated area.

"The lorry driver pulled in to a lay-by for a rest before continuing the journey."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

In Australian and British English, 'layby' (one word or hyphenated) is the retail equivalent of the American 'layaway'. As a road noun, a 'lay-by' is a paved area at the side of a British road where vehicles can stop temporarily. Both the noun and verb forms are in common use in British English.

Commonly used with

money savings goods road goods store instalments

Forms

Base

lay by

I/you/we/they

3rd person

lays by

he/she/it

Past simple

laid by

yesterday

Past participle

laid by

have + pp

-ing form

laying by

continuous

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Synonyms

save up put by set aside put away reserve lay away

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