LAYING

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does laying mean? 

• LAYING (noun)
  The noun LAYING has 1 sense:

1. the production of eggs (especially in birds)

  Familiarity information: LAYING used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LAYING (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The production of eggs (especially in birds)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

egg laying; laying

Hypernyms ("laying" is a kind of...):

birth; birthing; giving birth; parturition (the process of giving birth)

 Context examples 

Not one succeeded in laying a hand on him, and it was well that they did not.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

The researchers started by laying down layers of carbon atoms to form the crystal.

(Key Tech for Quantum Communications Offered by Implanting Diamonds with Flaws, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

“No, no, it was never pretty. Not pretty,” interposed my mother, laying her fingers on my lips again. “Yes it was. “Pretty little widow.””

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Putting something to a special use or purpose; the act of laying on a substance or preparation.

(Application, NCI Thesaurus)

“They are still there, Mr. Holmes,” said he, laying his hand hard upon my friend’s sleeve.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Well, Watson, it’s as well we have not to turn out to-night,” said Holmes, laying aside his lens and rolling up the palimpsest.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Do you speak French, dear?" asked Mrs. Carrol, laying a hand on Amy's.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It is precisely for that reason, Sir John, that I am laying odds of two to one in his favour.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Nay, nay, my dear Oliver,” said Sir Nigel, laying his hand upon his angry friend's arm.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

With respect to that other, more weighty accusation, of having injured Mr. Wickham, I can only refute it by laying before you the whole of his connection with my family.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)