Tray Meaning
Tray Definition & Usage
A flat, shallow container or platform with raised edges, used for carrying or serving food, drinks, or items.
Examples
- "She placed the tea cups on the tray and carried them to the living room."
- "The waiter set the tray down on the table, offering the customers their meal."
- "He loaded the tray with breakfast items and carried it up to her room."
- "A silver tray gleamed on the restaurant's polished counter, ready to be used for serving appetizers."
- "I found a tray full of fresh fruit in the kitchen, ready to be served at the party."
A flat surface, often portable, used to organize or hold various items in a particular setting.
Examples
- "She kept her makeup neatly arranged on a tray on her vanity."
- "The coffee shop displayed a tray of fresh pastries on the counter for customers to choose from."
- "The technician used a tray to hold the instruments during the operation."
- "A tray filled with important documents was placed on the desk for review."
- "At the bakery, each customer was given a tray to select their items from."
To serve or deliver food, drinks, or items using a tray.
Examples
- "The hotel staff trayed up a selection of snacks and beverages for the guests."
- "She trayed the lunch into the office for her colleagues."
- "He trayed the tea and cookies to the guests seated in the garden."
- "After the meeting, the assistant trayed several drinks to the conference room."
- "The waiter trayed the desserts to the table, making sure each dish was properly presented."
Cultural Context
Trays have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. Historically, trays were made from materials like wood, metal, and even clay. They were often used to carry food or other goods, especially in settings like banquets or formal dinners. Over time, their design has evolved to include different materials such as plastic and glass, with modern trays being used for a wide range of purposes, from serving meals to organizing objects in homes and workplaces.
A Tea for Two
Story
A Tea for Two
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Mia carefully arranged the tea tray in the kitchen, placing a freshly brewed pot of Earl Grey in the center, surrounded by two delicate porcelain cups and a small plate of buttery shortbread biscuits. She carried it to the living room where Emma was curled up on the couch with a book. 'I thought you might like some tea,' Mia said with a smile, setting the tray down on the coffee table. 'Perfect timing,' Emma replied, setting the book aside and taking a sip. The soft clink of the teacups echoed in the quiet room as they both settled in for a relaxing afternoon. Later, Mia and Emma sat at the dining table, where a tray of pastries awaited them. 'This tray is so beautiful,' Emma remarked, admiring the intricately designed edges. Mia nodded. 'It belonged to my grandmother. I use it to keep everything organized in the kitchen.' As the day went on, Mia found herself using the tray again, this time to organize her papers and pens for an upcoming meeting. 'I guess these trays do more than just serve tea,' she mused, looking at the cluttered workspace now neatly arranged on the tray. The day ended with another round of tea, and Mia gently trayed the cups and biscuits back to the kitchen, already planning the next tea break.
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