Meaning & use

delay

verb·Everyday

To make something happen later than planned, or to be slow in doing something.

See it in a sentence

Heavy snow delayed our flight by more than three hours.

Please do not delay in sending the signed contract back to us.

A note on using this word

Works as both a verb and a noun with the same spelling and meaning.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A period of time by which something is made later than expected.

Passengers were frustrated by the long delay at the security checkpoint.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “delay”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.