Laying

Laying is the act of placing something in a particular position or the process of setting something down. It is the present participle of the verb lay, and the term is used in many contexts to describe putting or arranging objects, materials, or substances.

In construction and manufacturing, laying refers to placing materials such as bricks, tiles, paving, stone, concrete, or pipes in their required positions. Laying can also describe the preparation of surfaces or bases, such as laying a foundation, laying a baseboard, or laying asphalt.

In biology and agriculture, egg laying, or oviposition, is the process by which female animals deposit eggs. Domestic poultry raised for eggs are called laying hens or layers; their productivity is described by egg-laying rate and timing, influenced by breed, age, nutrition, and environmental factors.

In religious or ceremonial contexts, laying or the laying on of hands refers to touching a person as part of a ritual, ordination, or healing rite.

Laying contrasts with lying; lay is transitive (to place something), while lie is intransitive (to recline). The present participle laying is often confused with lying, but usage follows grammatical function and context.