English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word delay in English

What does delay mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

delay

US /dɪˈleɪ/
UK /dɪˈleɪ/
"delay" picture

Verb

1.

make (someone or something) late or slow

Example:
•
Traffic will delay your arrival.
•
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
Synonym:
postpone defer put off hold up detain
2.

hesitate or be reluctant to do something

Example:
•
She did not delay in accepting the offer.
•
He would not delay in taking action.
Synonym:
hesitate linger procrastinate stall drag one's feet

Noun

a period of time by which something is deferred or postponed

Example:
•
There was a slight delay in the flight schedule.
•
We experienced a long delay at the airport.
Synonym:
postponement deferment hold-up setback hiatus
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Related Word:
delayed delaying delays are dangerous without delay justice delayed is justice denied time fleeth away without delay anger is the one thing made better by delay