delay
- Top 3000
Sense 1
- noun
- A2
A period of time when something happens later than it should.
There was a short delay while they repaired the signal.
We apologise for the delay in answering your email.
A strike caused long delays at the border all week.
Common collocations: a long delay · a delay in something · cause a delay · without delay · an hour's delay
Part of: Airports and stations, Frequency and duration, Means of transport, Negative emotions
Sense 2
- verb
- B1
To make a person or thing later than planned.
Roadworks delayed us for almost an hour on the motorway.
A missing part delayed the repair by several days.
Please start without me if traffic delays my arrival.
Common collocations: be delayed by · a delayed flight · delay a decision · badly delayed
Part of: Airports and stations, Means of transport, Frequency and duration
Sense 3 · less common
- verb
- B2
To decide to do something at a later time than you first planned.
We decided to delay the wedding until next spring.
She delayed telling her parents about the failed exam.
Don't delay booking your seat; cheap tickets disappear fast.
Common collocations: delay doing something · delay a decision · delay payment · delay no longer
Part of: Frequency and duration, Attitudes and opinions, Business correspondence