intransitive verb lay, lain, lying ly′·ing

1. to be or put oneself in a reclining position along a relatively horizontal surface: often with down
2. to be in a more or less horizontal position on some supporting surface: said of inanimate things
3. to be or remain in a specified condition motives that lie hidden
4. to be situated Canada lies to the north
5. to extend; stretch the road that lies before us
6. to be; exist; be found the love that lies in her eyes
7. to be buried or entombed
8. Archaic to stay overnight or for a short while; lodge
9. Archaic to have sexual intercourse (with)
10. Law to be maintainable or admissible an action that will not lie

Etymology: ME lien < 2d & 3d pers. sing. of earlier liggen < OE licgan, to lie, akin to Ger liegen < IE base *legh-, to lie, lay oneself down > L lectus & Gr lēchos, bed, lōchos, lair

transitive verb

noun

1. the way in which something is situated or arranged; lay
2. an animal's lair or resting place
3. Brit. a period of resting
4. Golf the relative situation of a ball with reference to the advantage it offers the player a good lie

intransitive verb lied, lying ly′·ing

1. 1. to make a statement that one knows is false, esp. with intent to deceive
   2. to make such statements habitually
2. to give a false impression; deceive one statistics can lie

Etymology: ME lien < OE leogan, akin to Ger lügen (Goth liugan) < IE base *leugh-, to tell lies > Lith lūgoti, to ask

transitive verb

noun

1. a false statement or action, esp. one made with intent to deceive
2. anything that gives or is meant to give a false impression
3. the charge of lying