layer

noun

lay·er | \ ˈlā-ər

, ˈler\

Definition of layer

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)

2a : one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another

b : stratum

c : horizon sense 2

3a : a branch or shoot of a plant that roots while still attached to the parent plant

b : a plant developed by layering

layer

verb

layered; layering; layers

Definition of layer (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to propagate (a plant) by means of layers

2a : 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

1a : 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

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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

Finish the eye with a thick layer of Urban Decay Perversion Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Nathalie Emmanuel and Maisie Williams Both Wore the Urban Decay Game of Thrones Collab," 4 Apr. 2019 With layers of graham crackers, bittersweet chocolate, and a billowy filling made of heavy cream, meringue and coconut, these dreamy bars will become your new campfire favorite. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Frozen S'mores," 14 Mar. 2019 Then, stand it straight up and coat the bottom with a layer of browns (leaves work great in this situation). — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "How to Start Composting," 8 Jan. 2019 The fire that started Saturday about 100 miles northeast of San Francisco spread as strong winds pushed smoke south, dusting cars and homes with a thin layer of gray ash. — NBC News, "Wildfires erupt across Western U.S., fueled by hot, dry weather," 3 July 2018 The meat can be injected or bagged overnight with a marinade, sauced, brined, coated with a layer of dry rub or subjected to any other sort of Frankenstein experimentation. — Chuck Blount, San Antonio Express-News, "Add a little more flavor to your grill with fragrant ingredients," 2 July 2018 The shelter is a white frame house with a spacious yard covered with a thick layer of grass. — Author: Maria Sacchetti, Kevin Sieff, Marc Fisher, Anchorage Daily News, "Separated migrant children are all over the country," 25 June 2018 The extra depth is due to the Nokia 9's time-of-flight camera, which gives the phone the ability to capture 1,200 layers of depth when shooting portraits. — Michael Simon, PCWorld, "Nokia 9 PureView hands-on: All of the cameras and none of the gimmicks," 24 Feb. 2019 If the anode was coated with negative charges, the scientists realized, those layers repel chloride and temper the rate of decay in the underlying metal. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Are Now Transforming Saltwater Into Hydrogen Fuel," 20 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In true Jo Malone London fashion, they are meant to be layered like paint to a canvas (if one desires). — Vanity Fair, Vanities, "Six Spring Fragrances to Fall in Love With," 4 Apr. 2017 Selena has been teasing stills from the video, which feature the song's lyrics as subtitles layered over retro cinematic tableaus. — Melissa Minton, Teen Vogue, "Selena Gomez Is Accused of Copying Artist Sarah Bahbah for "Back to You" Music Video," 5 June 2018 Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is lightweight enough to layer over multiple products. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, "How to Layer Your Skin-Care Products in the Correct Order," 27 Feb. 2018 Although As for creating the accross-the-eyes effect, Barose layered several shades of red, orange, and copper on top of each other. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Lupita Nyong’o Wore the Most Futuristic Hair and Makeup to the Us Premiere at SXSW," 9 Mar. 2019 Always try to layer in as much beautiful storage space as possible—a gorgeous credenza that can hide files and paperwork, or even beautiful wooden boxes that can house small but necessary items, like paper clips. — Liz Cantrell, ELLE Decor, "How to Make Your Office a "Home Away From Home"," 25 Feb. 2019 Be sure to layer the ingredients with the dressing at the bottom to avoid a soggy salad. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Marinated Chickpea Greek Salad," 23 Jan. 2019 Never Neglect Your Hands To keep those digits warm, pack polyester glove liners and gloves, then gauntlets to layer over them. — Deb Acord, Popular Mechanics, "7 Tips to Survive Cold-Weather Camping," 14 Dec. 2015 Mike Inwood’s lighting effectively sets off the two act climaxes, and Janus Stefanowicz cleverly layers costumes, removing a coat to reveal glitter, or adding a uniform to change a son into a soldier. — Julia M. Klein, Philly.com, "'Big Red Sun': Search through history and music for truth about father, self," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'layer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.