1 B2 neutral
To accumulate and store a supply of something in preparation for future need.
"We should lay in extra tinned food before the storm hits."
separable
lay in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To buy and store a supply of something in advance, especially food or fuel.
In plain English
Buy a lot of something and save it for later.
What does "lay in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lay (place) things in (inside storage).
Actually means
Buy a lot of something and save it for later.
Usage tip
Common in British English, particularly in contexts of preparing for winter, shortages, or emergencies. Slightly old-fashioned in tone. Often used with food, coal, fuel, or provisions.
Words that pair with "lay in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
supplies provisions food coal fuel stock
How to conjugate "lay in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lay in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lays in
he/she/it
Past simple
laid in
yesterday
Past participle
laid in
have + pp
-ing form
laying in
continuous
Hear "lay in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lay in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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