What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tray
Example
The waiter brought the drinks on a tray. [tray: noun]
Example
She placed the cookies on a baking tray. [tray: noun]
dish
Example
He ordered a dish of spaghetti carbonara. [dish: noun]
Example
She washed the dishes after dinner. [dishes: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dish is more commonly used than tray in everyday language. Dish is a versatile word that can refer to a variety of things, including a type of food, a container for serving food, or even an opinion or gossip. Tray, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in the context of carrying or serving food and drinks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tray and dish?
Both tray and dish can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dish is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including casual conversations, formal events, and professional settings.
