lay to
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Hoisting our jib, we lay to, and in the morning found ourselves only a few miles from the island, but with such a steady wind blowing from its direction as to render it impossible for us to get back to it.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To try or to expend effort to achieve (something).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “lay to” mean?
To turn towards the wind so that the boat stops; to remain stationary in open water or to lie to.
Is “lay to” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.