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

Keep scrolling for more

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

For the special occasion, Woodley chose a black Dior dress that featured a bodysuit underneath a layer of tulle and mesh material. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Shailene Woodley Chose a Sheer Dior Dress for the Season 2 Premiere of 'BLL'," 30 May 2019 Graphite and Copper Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper: For max cooling, try this 4-inch option with a dual layer of Moisture Wicking Coolflow Foam. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "These New Cooling Mattress Toppers Will Save You From Night Sweats," 21 May 2019 Upon application to the cheeks, it was highly pigmented and a bit unnatural, but after a few moments, the color seemingly seeped into my skin, blending perfectly under a layer of powdered foundation. — Teen Vogue, "Five Teen Vogue Editors Tried Milk Makeup’s New Glow Oil — Here’s What We Thought," 17 May 2019 The plant is built on a layer of porous basalt rock formed from cooled lava and, crucially, has easy access to the endless water supply underneath the volcano. — Andrew Daniels, Popular Mechanics, "Iceland’s Radical Plan to Slow Climate Change," 9 May 2019 From a beauty standpoint, makeup artist Sheika Daley kept it sweet and simple, yet still fun and whimsical with a layer of sky-blue shadow by Lancôme swept across her lids and subtly traced along her lower lashline to match her blue gown. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Zendaya Is Literally — Literally — Cinderella at the 2019 Met Gala," 7 May 2019 The molecules stick to a layer of mucus on the upper surface of the cavity, embedded with olfactory neurons. — Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, "How Quantum Mechanics Lets Us See, Smell and Touch," 24 Oct. 2018 Observers say such projects generally go through layers of officialdom first — vetting by Putin's spokesman, chief of staff, foreign minister, spy service chiefs — who decide when and whether to inform the president himself. — Angela Charlton And Matthew Bodner, Fox News, "Russian meddling abroad: Does Putin pull all the strings?," 15 Sep. 2018 The Look: Avoid adding layers to the length and don't make the bangs a rounded shape (i.e. longer on the sides) — simply keep it straight. — Chris Parente, Allure, "8 Modern Haircut Ideas That Work Brilliantly for Asian Hair Types," 15 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

But layered into the quaint streets and old-fashioned standbys are a new generation of hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Plan a Summer Stay in Salesas, Madrid’s Smallest Neighborhood," 25 May 2019 The black and white, ruffled and layered dress wouldn't have looked out of place on the Met Gala's red carpet. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Lady Gaga's Extra AF Pre-Met Gala Outfit Features a Teeny Tiny Handbag," 6 May 2019 The Buttery Skin makeup look is all about layering makeup on your skin for the appearance of slick, smooth texture and natural sheen. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Physicians Formula Just Dropped Murumuru Baby Butter Box, a Super-Affordable Makeup Kit," 19 Apr. 2019 King County has only one active landfill, where the rubbish produced by more than 1.4 million people is hauled, dumped, compacted and layered into a modest trash mountain lorded over by a fleet of semi-trucks, bulldozers and bald eagles. — David Gutman, The Seattle Times, "King County’s landfill has been almost full for two decades. What happens next?," 26 Mar. 2019 Here, our favorite ways to style this truly delightful in-between-seasons layering trend. — Vogue, "Do You Dare to Wear a Dress Over Pants? Here’s How to Do It Right," 17 Apr. 2019 Ranging in height from around three to more than six feet, the pieces are complex, layered assemblages made of frosting, found objects, party decorations, acrylic paint, and an assortment of other materials relevant to that individual. — Kerry Cardoza, Chicago Reader, "The American dream, in frosting: the art of Yvette Mayorga," 25 Apr. 2018 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

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.