1
: one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)
2
3
a
: a branch or shoot of a plant that roots while still attached to the parent plant
b
: a plant developed by layering
layered; layering; layers
1
: to propagate (a plant) by means of layers
2
a
: 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
1
a
: 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
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2023
Go a step further with decorative millwork that adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to this striking black.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2023
Try adding a splash of bourbon: Bourbon has an underlying sweetness that pairs nicely with tart apples, so adding a bit of whiskey to this recipe gives it an extra layer of flavor dimension and complexity.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2023
This extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if the scammer manages to guess or steal your password.
—Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 22 Sep. 2023
All told, the Pixel Watch is a Fitbit with an extra layer of smartphone integrations.
—Jon Bitner, wsj.com, 22 Sep. 2023
As Schlozman noted, modern political parties rest on a layer of intersecting cleavages going back to the Civil War, and each new alignment leads to new coalitions and new points of contention.
—Ben Jacobs, The New Republic, 21 Sep. 2023
Peel back those silken surface layers, and there are further signs of Hamilton’s tone of voice.
—Robin Swithinbank, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2023
The actor's silver hair was parted in the middle and worn in gentle curls and twirls, with the layers closest to her face styled in subtle waves.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Sep. 2023
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2023
Our Beef Bourguignon recipe is layered with rich, delicious ingredients.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2023
It can be layered with a denim jacket, or paired with trousers for an elevated work look.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2023
Lastly, layer the complementing linen chenille throw draped effortlessly over the sofa for that cozy ‘come snuggle’ vibe.
—Leslie J. Thompson, Dallas News, 19 Sep. 2023
Still, the emotional weight of these sentimental storylines won’t overwhelm youngsters, as it’s all layered in with finesse.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 18 Sep. 2023
Some opted for a blazer to achieve a put together look without layering too many items while others wore graphic T-shirts or crewneck sweatshirts and elevated their ‘fit with accessories like necklaces or sunglasses.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Sep. 2023
Select: Online Shopping, Simplified With hundreds of skin care products on the market, figuring out the correct way to layer them can be tricky.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2023
The Doge's Palace, in Piazza San Marco, is a building that was influenced by 500 years of architecture, from Byzantine to Eastern European and Asian to Roman Classical, and those ideas are layered over a lot of periods of construction.
—Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2023
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Noun
Dakota, 29, wore a long white dress with a white button-down top as an extra layer while Elle, 25, paired a white lace blouse with dark denim.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2023
Go a step further with decorative millwork that adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to this striking black.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2023
Try adding a splash of bourbon: Bourbon has an underlying sweetness that pairs nicely with tart apples, so adding a bit of whiskey to this recipe gives it an extra layer of flavor dimension and complexity.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2023
This extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if the scammer manages to guess or steal your password.
—Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 22 Sep. 2023
All told, the Pixel Watch is a Fitbit with an extra layer of smartphone integrations.
—Jon Bitner, wsj.com, 22 Sep. 2023
As Schlozman noted, modern political parties rest on a layer of intersecting cleavages going back to the Civil War, and each new alignment leads to new coalitions and new points of contention.
—Ben Jacobs, The New Republic, 21 Sep. 2023
Peel back those silken surface layers, and there are further signs of Hamilton’s tone of voice.
—Robin Swithinbank, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2023
The actor's silver hair was parted in the middle and worn in gentle curls and twirls, with the layers closest to her face styled in subtle waves.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Sep. 2023
Verb
While layering for a plane is a comfy styling move, her sky-high pumps were not.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2023
Our Beef Bourguignon recipe is layered with rich, delicious ingredients.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2023
It can be layered with a denim jacket, or paired with trousers for an elevated work look.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2023
Lastly, layer the complementing linen chenille throw draped effortlessly over the sofa for that cozy ‘come snuggle’ vibe.
—Leslie J. Thompson, Dallas News, 19 Sep. 2023
Still, the emotional weight of these sentimental storylines won’t overwhelm youngsters, as it’s all layered in with finesse.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 18 Sep. 2023
Some opted for a blazer to achieve a put together look without layering too many items while others wore graphic T-shirts or crewneck sweatshirts and elevated their ‘fit with accessories like necklaces or sunglasses.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Sep. 2023
Select: Online Shopping, Simplified With hundreds of skin care products on the market, figuring out the correct way to layer them can be tricky.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2023
The Doge's Palace, in Piazza San Marco, is a building that was influenced by 500 years of architecture, from Byzantine to Eastern European and Asian to Roman Classical, and those ideas are layered over a lot of periods of construction.
—Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'layer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of layer was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing layer
Dictionary Entries Near layer
Cite this Entry
“Layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layer. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
Medical Definition
layer
noun
lay·er
ˈlā-ər, ˈle(-ə)r 
1
: one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another
2
: stratum sense 1
the outer layers of the skin
layer
verb
More from Merriam-Webster on layer
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for layer
Nglish: Translation of layer for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of layer for Arabic Speakers
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