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lay up

(transitive) To disable or incapacitate; to confine to bed.

ˈleɪ ˈʌpCurrent142 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 27, 2026

(transitive) To disable or incapacitate; to confine to bed.

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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(transitive) To store; to put by.

We must lay up enough stores to get us through the winter.
For parents

Lay up means: To store; to put by.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up. For most families this word will pass by without incident; it is more a vocabulary curiosity than a parenting concern.

For ESL learners

lay up means: To store; to put by.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

Cluster: general
Heard in the wild
  • “‘this is a lay up’ sooo…. they’ll botch it again?”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Lay up for the plaintiffs. The FBI raided his home after repeatedly asking return of classified documents he illegally took with him when he left office.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(intransitive) To recuperate or rest; to remain in a place.

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