To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of layoff
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a period of inactivity or idleness
lay off
verblaid off; laying off; lays off
Definition of lay off (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to mark or measure off
2 : to cease to employ (a worker) often temporarily
3 of a bookie : to place all or part of (an accepted bet) with another bookie to reduce the risk
1 : to stop doing or taking something
2 : to leave one alone
wish you'd just lay off
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share layoff
Time Traveler for layoff
The first known use of layoff was in 1748
See more words from the same year