layer

1 of 2

noun

lay·​er ˈlā-ər How to pronounce layer (audio) ˈler How to pronounce layer (audio)
1
: one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)
2
a
: one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another
b
3
a
: a branch or shoot of a plant that roots while still attached to the parent plant
b
: a plant developed by layering
layered adjective

layer

2 of 2

verb

layered; layering; layers

transitive verb

1
: to propagate (a plant) by means of layers
2
a
: to place as a layer
b
: to place a layer on top of
pancakes layered with butter and syrup
c
: to form or arrange in layers

intransitive verb

1
a
: to separate into layers
b
: to form out of superimposed layers
2
of a plant : to form roots where a stem comes in contact with the ground

Examples of layer in a Sentence

Noun Everything was covered by a thin layer of sand. The top layer of the rug is badly worn but the bottom layer is still OK. The cake has three layers. She glued together several layers of paper. He was wearing several layers of clothing. rocks that formed in layers from flows of lava Verb We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Summers are very limiting because you’re really restricted to whatever the lightest layer on your body could be. Alyson Zetta Williams, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 But his relationship with L.G.B.T. advocates in his district, around Shreveport, reveals the complicated layers of his character. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 As layers of tarmac swept through the city, Bengaluru lost its ability to absorb water, Ramachandra said. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Cross the Masai Mara on horseback Photo: Courtesy of Black Saddle An African wildlife safari is a stirring adventure in itself, but doing it from a saddle adds a whole new layer to the thrill. Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Embedded with layers of forlorn melodies and sullen acoustic guitar, the track is a masterpiece of melancholy. Peter A. Berry, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 The Midnight Luxe mattress has even more layers of support for anyone with lumbar soreness. Sarah Madaus, Allure, 14 Mar. 2024 Leitch’s expertise and appreciation for stuntmen adds an endearing layer to the enjoyment of The Fall Guy, which premiered at SXSW. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 Or leave the cake in a single layer, and top with frosting, for easier, but no less tasty, presentation. Olga Massov, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024
Verb
Worn side-flipped, smooth and immaculately neat, Hadid kept the ends softly flipped and paired it with a monochrome outfit—complete with matrix sunglasses, a black knitted sweater layered under a black pinstripe blazer, black leggings, black loafers and white varsity socks. Elle Turner, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2024 This can be avoided by layering the ingredients instead, says Dahl. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 15 Mar. 2024 Lipa wore a simple base outfit: a white T-shirt layered under an open, oversized button-up, blue jeans, and a pair of Ugg x Palace Tasman slippers complete with colorful patches. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 The jokes are layered over the most meaningful of revelations in the movie. USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 The actress opted for a daring yet sophisticated ensemble, donning a sheer black blouse layered over a delicate lace bralette. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 That post was quickly followed by another, this one a video of Robinson in the studio playing a very elastic-y sounding electronic track with a rave light behind him and cartoon face — potentially a logo or cover art for the new project — layered over his head. Katie Bain, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2024 On models around the room, Cometa’s colorful extensions were layered into black wigs that Palau and his team shaped into anime bowl-cut bangs at the front, with a tight three-strand braid down the back. Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 The dial utilizes a sandwich construction, where luminous material is layered beneath a plate with index openings, enhancing visibility and depth. Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'layer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of layer was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near layer

Cite this Entry

“Layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

layer

1 of 2 noun
lay·​er ˈlā-ər How to pronounce layer (audio)
ˈle(-ə)r
1
: one that lays
their hens were poor layers
2
: one thickness or fold over or under another
a layer or rock
layered
ˈlā-ərd How to pronounce layer (audio)
ˈle(-ə)rd
adjective

layer

2 of 2 verb
1
: to separate into layers
2
: to form by adding layers

Medical Definition

layer

noun
1
: one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another
2
: stratum sense 1
the outer layers of the skin
layer verb

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