layout

1 of 2

noun

lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t 

1

: the plan or design or arrangement of something laid out: such as

a

: dummy sense 5b

b

: final arrangement of matter to be reproduced especially by printing

2

: the act or process of planning or laying out in detail

3

a

: something that is laid out

a model train layout

b

: land or structures or rooms used for a particular purpose

a cattle-ranching layout

also : place

c

: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2

verb

laid out; laying out; lays out

transitive verb

1

: display, exhibit

2

: spend

3

a

: to prepare (a corpse) for viewing

b

: to knock flat or unconscious

4

: to plan in detail

lay out a campaign

5

: arrange, design

6

: to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing

Synonyms of layout

Noun

• format
• formation
• arrangement
• design

Verb

• spend
• pay
• give

Examples of layout in a Sentence

Noun

The layout of the apartment was good, but the kitchen was too small.

She designed the page layout for the new magazine.

Verb

he laid out big bucks for a new lawnmower that runs by itself

the transatlantic balloonists laid out a backup plan in case of an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The layout seamlessly blends the interior and the exterior, with expansive entertaining areas and lounge spaces that flow inside and out. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

That collector’s mindset is also reflected in the show layout. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 July 2026

Verb

Noe Padilla As thousands lay out their tents and picnic blankets in San Francisco's Crissy Field, many are worried that the dense layer of fog sitting over the Golden Gate Bridge may ruin the city's Fourth of July fireworks show. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

And, more broadly, country-level plans that lay out investable climate projects across different countries received top billing at different forums. — Justin Worland, Time, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for layout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Video

Lay vs. Lie

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

Kids Definition

layout

1 of 2 noun

lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t 

1

: plan entry 1 sense 1, arrangement

2

: something laid out

3

: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)lā-ˈau̇t

1

: plan entry 2 sense 1

lay out a campaign

2

: to arrange for display or for working on

lay out an exhibit

3

: spend sense 1