1 B1 informal
To recline the body on a surface such as a bed, sofa, or floor.
"I felt dizzy so I laid down on the sofa for a few minutes."
inseparable
lay down on
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To recline or rest one's body on a surface.
In plain English
Go and rest on something, like a bed or sofa.
What does "lay down on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place oneself in a flat position on top of something.
Actually means
Go and rest on something, like a bed or sofa.
Usage tip
This three-part form ('lay down on the bed') is used informally, especially in American English, as a substitute for the prescriptively correct 'lie down on'. It is very common in everyday speech despite being non-standard in formal writing.
Words that pair with "lay down on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bed sofa floor couch grass mat
How to conjugate "lay down on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lay down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lays down on
he/she/it
Past simple
laid down on
yesterday
Past participle
laid down on
have + pp
-ing form
laying down on
continuous
Hear "lay down on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lay down on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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