relay Meaning & Definition
What Does Relay Mean?
Relay is a noun that means A new set of hounds. It can also mean A new set of horses kept along a specific route so that they can replace animals that are tired. As a verb, it means To pass on or transfer (information). As a verb, it means Alternative spelling of re-lay.
Relay: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɹiːleɪ/ |
| Synonyms | electrical relay and convey |
| Plural | relays |
| Verb forms | relays, relaying, relayed |
Relay Definition (Noun)
- A new set of hounds.
- A new set of horses kept along a specific route so that they can replace animals that are tired.
- A new set of anything.
- A series of vehicles travelling in sequence.
- A competition between teams where members of a team take turns completing parts of a course or performing a certain action.
- A track and field discipline where runners take turns in carrying a baton from start to finish. The most common events are 4×100 meter and 4×400 meter competitions.
- An electrical actuator that allows a relatively small electrical voltage or current to control a larger voltage or current.
Relay as a Verb
- To pass on or transfer (information).
The CCTV cameras relay what's going on to the headquarters.
- To release a new set of hounds.
- To place (people or horses) in relays, such that one can take over from another.
- To take on a new relay of horses; to change horses.
Verb
- Alternative spelling of re-lay.
Noun
- (by extension) A new set of anything.
- A track and field discipline where runners take turns in carrying a baton from start to finish. Most common events are 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter competitions.
Verb
- To lay (for example, flooring or railroad track) again.
He had to re-lay the tiles because the cement was too dry.
Synonyms of Relay
Relay in a Sentence
The CCTV cameras relay what's going on to the headquarters.
Can you relay this message to John?
He had to re-lay the tiles because the cement was too dry.
Word Forms & Grammar
relay (plural relays)
relay (third-person singular simple present relays, present participle relaying, simple past and past participle relayed)
relay (third-person singular simple present relays, present participle relaying, simple past and past participle relaid)
Words That Rhyme With Relay
Origin of Relay
Origin 1: From Middle French relai (“reserve pack of hounds”), from relaier (“to exchange tired animals for fresh”); literally, "to leave behind", from Old French relaier (“to leave behind”), from re- + laier (“to leave”), of uncertain origin.
Origin 2: From re- + lay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relay
Is relay a noun or a verb?
Relay is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for relay?
Close synonyms of relay are electrical relay and convey. See the full list of relay synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of relay?
The plural of relay is relays.
What is the past tense of relay?
The past tense of relay is relayed. The present participle is relaying.