1 B1 neutral
To store something safely away for use at a later time.
"She laid away the old letters in a box at the back of the cupboard."
separable
lay away
B2 neutral separable transitive
To store or reserve something for future use; specifically (American English) to reserve a product in a store with a deposit, paying the rest before collecting it.
In plain English
To put something away to use later; or (in American shops) to ask the shop to keep something for you while you pay for it bit by bit.
What does "lay away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
(US retail) To reserve an item in a store by paying a deposit, collecting it when the full price is paid.
"She laid away a bicycle at the toy store two months before Christmas."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put something 'away' — into storage or reservation — by 'laying' it there.
Actually means
To put something away to use later; or (in American shops) to ask the shop to keep something for you while you pay for it bit by bit.
Usage tip
The retail 'layaway' system is specifically American English (and the noun 'layaway' or 'lay-away plan' is common in US retail). In British English, the equivalent is 'hire purchase' or 'put something by'. The general 'store away' sense exists in both varieties.
Words that pair with "lay away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
Christmas presents items toys clothes deposit store
How to conjugate "lay away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lay away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lays away
he/she/it
Past simple
laid away
yesterday
Past participle
laid away
have + pp
-ing form
laying away
continuous
Hear "lay away" in the wild
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