A tray is a flat, shallow container with slightly raised edges, designed for carrying or holding items. Think of the cafeteria tray you slide along the counter as you pick up your lunch, keeping your plate, milk carton, and utensils together in one place. Or picture a breakfast tray someone might use to bring pancakes and orange juice to a parent on a special morning.

Trays come in many materials: plastic, metal, wood, or even cardboard. A waiter balances a tray of drinks above their shoulder, while a doctor's assistant might wheel a tray of medical instruments on a cart. Your teacher might have a tray on their desk for collecting homework assignments.

The word can also describe the shallow drawer that slides out from your computer's disk drive, though these are becoming less common as technology changes. Bakers use baking trays (also called cookie sheets) to slide cookies or roasted vegetables into the oven. Ice cube trays hold water in small compartments until it freezes into cubes.

What makes something a tray rather than just a plate or box? It's designed specifically for carrying or organizing multiple items at once, making it easier to transport things from one place to another without dropping them or making multiple trips.