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

Other Words from layer Example Sentences Learn More about layer

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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

At the same time, the image itself degraded, growing more compressed and watermarked with more layers of text scribbled out and written over again. — Verge Staff, The Verge, "The best memes of 2018, according to The Verge staff," 27 Dec. 2018 The woodwork wasn’t covered up with layers of paint and the plaster walls were in remarkably sound condition. — Robert Khederian, Curbed, "How a fashion designer transformed an 18th-century home into a dreamy inn," 21 Nov. 2018 With layers of delicate pieces Signal that an understated dress is ready for a more formal event by wearing all of your favorite delicate pieces together. — Leah Melby Clinton, Marie Claire, "How to Make Your Boring LBD Feel New Again," 16 Nov. 2018 The rainbow hues continued into the bottom of her dress, with layers of the silver ensemble also featuring edging etched in shades of red, orange, and yellow. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kiernan Shipka Wore Berry Red Lipstick," 8 Oct. 2018 Most everyone agrees that schools can be more secure with layers of protection, such as perimeter fencing. — Justin Pritchard, The Seattle Times, "Firms sell mass-shooting solutions, but can gadgets and hardware save lives?," 2 Oct. 2018 The ancient anthropocene strikes again The researchers started with layers dating back to 7,000 years ago—at least 3,000 years before agriculture, or even settled village life, arose in the Maya Lowlands. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Carbon impact of ancient Maya farming may still be felt," 22 Aug. 2018 The Cinnabon Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake is made with layers of Cinnabon cinnamon cheesecake and vanilla crunch cake topped with cream cheese frosting and caramel, and finished off with cinnamon candy crunchies. — Caroline Judelson, Fox News, "Cheesecake Factory offering half-price deal for National Cheesecake Day," 31 July 2018 Scratch and loosen the soil with a garden rake, then broadcast an even layer of seed over the area. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring," 22 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Wear one alone as a light jacket on warmer days, or layer one under a big coat for colder ones. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Survive the Rest of Winter With These 4 Essential Layering Tips," 7 Feb. 2019 But some doctors and other experts have raised concerns about layering vigorous exercise onto the existing physical demands of pregnancy. — Gretchen Reynolds, The Seattle Times, "Vigorous exercise, even a trek up Everest, may be safe during pregnancy," 26 Oct. 2018 Delevingne layered a black silk cummerbund over her suit and finished the look with a silver single-knot tie and classic black pumps for a little feminine flair. — Kerry Pieri, Harper's BAZAAR, "Cara Delevingne Wore a Top Hat and Tails to the Royal Wedding," 12 Oct. 2018 Continue with the remaining 3 sheets, layering one on top of the other. — Julia Sherman, New York Times, "A Cookbook of Artists’ Creative Summer Desserts," 22 June 2018 That pivot layers complexity on an initially odious character, and returns to the season’s central theme of coming to terms with family strife in a way that feels organic, but is clearly the product of Coker’s skillful engineering. — Samantha Nelson, The Verge, "Luke Cage is the first Netflix MCU show with a strong season 2," 22 June 2018 The Wachowskis layered all the visual elements together to give the picture the crispness of two-dimensional animation, and the performances and writing have a similar, sometimes jolting, sort of simplicity to them. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "The New Hollywood Speed Racer Didn't See Coming," 14 May 2018 The songs layer his hummed falsettos over bouncy synths and spartan beats. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Charlie Puth Finds a Mature New Sound on Sophomore Album Voicenotes," 10 May 2018 Players will certainly layer their apparel more rigorously for cold contests, with fleece turtlenecks a popular option and plenty of sweat-wicking cold-weather gear to keep players dry. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "How NFL Fields, and Players, Stay Warm for Winter Games," 16 Jan. 2019

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.