layer

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noun lay·er \ ˈlā-ər , ˈler \

Definition of layer

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

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

b :stratum

c :horizon 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

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layered

play \ˈlā-ərd, ˈlerd\ adjective

See layer defined for English-language learners

See layer defined for kids

Examples of layer in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of layer from the Web

A powerhouse among Chicago jazz drummers, Hall also happens to be a profound conceptualist who brings welcome layers of meaning, context and historical perspective to his work.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Don't miss these shows at the Chicago Jazz Fest," 30 Aug. 2017
Storms like Harvey are helped by one of the consequences of climate change: As the air warms, some of that heat is absorbed by the ocean, which in turn raises the temperature of the sea’s upper layers.

— robinson meyer, The Atlantic, "Did Climate Change Intensify Hurricane Harvey?," 27 Aug. 2017
Spread half of the meat filling mixture over the tortillas bottom layer.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Century celebration for funny friend Phyllis Diller," 25 Aug. 2017
The powder applies in an ultra-fine layer and noticeably boosts luminosity.

— wendy gould, Allure, "12 Luxury Beauty Launches to Satisfy Your Inner Rich Bitch This Fall," 24 Aug. 2017
When mixture begins to freeze, scrape top layer with a fork and return to freezer.

— Philly.com, "Frosé Granita," 24 Aug. 2017
Prosciutto & Arugula Salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and shaved Grana Padano cheese give this pizza multiple layers of flavor, which are all heightened by hints of lemon and olive oil.

— steffi victorioso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Every Pizza at Pizzanista!, Ranked," 23 Aug. 2017
The upper layers of the sun such as the chromosphere and the corona, which are not usually visible to the naked eye, can be seen during total eclipses as a ring of light around the moon, according to NASA.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Excited Harford County residents gather to view Monday's solar eclipse," 22 Aug. 2017
Spread remaining sauce over the cheese layer, dividing evenly over the two pizzas.

— for kroger, The Courier-Journal, "Sponsor Story: Learn how to make Deep-Dish Cheese Pizza," 21 Aug. 2017

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.

First Known Use of layer

13th century

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

layer

verb

Definition of layer

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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

See layer defined for English-language learners

Examples of layer in a Sentence

We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.

Recent Examples of layer from the Web

These can be layered in dessert cups and refrigerated.

— teri mena, sacbee, "Recipe Mailbox: Frank Fat’s banana cream pie," 29 Aug. 2017
On top of the magnesium core, the micromotors are coated with titanium dioxide, then layered with the antibiotic and topped off with an outer layer of a polymer called chitosan.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Micromotors neutralize stomach acid, deliver antibiotic," 16 Aug. 2017
Consider layering orange sorbet, black tea and curls of fresh zest, or a stone fruit sorbet, chai tea and a spoonful of sliced ripe peaches.

— Cincinnati.com, "Cooking with Caitlin: Summery mint tea floats," 10 Aug. 2017
The tsunamis left ocean sands layered in the island's soil, as well as a big driftwood log found half a mile inland.

— yereth rosen, Alaska Dispatch News, "New geologic mapping along Alaska Peninsula reveals tsunami risk," 1 Aug. 2017
The towering pasta dish is layered with meat sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.

— doreen christensen, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Half-priced lasagna at Brio Tuscan Grille on Thursday," 26 July 2017
Layered into the narrative are Renner's own deep personal anguish and the stark, breathtaking backdrop of mountain scenery.

— domenica bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "With Jeremy Renner and a girl's mysterious death, Indy Film Fest's opener will give you chills," 12 July 2017
And just as engaging is Rodriguez’s musical score, which is as complex and richly layered as Frida’s personality.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Opera’s ‘Frida’ tinged with emotion, fiery spirit," 24 June 2017
Carell layered a navy sweater over a dark chambray shirt, paired with chinos pressed to the nines and brown leather sneakers.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Nothing Will Prepare You for These Hot Photos of Steve Carell," 23 June 2017

First Known Use of layer

1832

LAYER Defined for English Language Learners

layer

play

noun

Definition of layer for English Language Learners

: an amount of something that is spread over an area
: a covering piece of material or a part that lies over or under another
: a bird that lays eggs

layer

verb

Definition of layer for English Language Learners

: to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other : to form or arrange (something) in layers

LAYER Defined for Kids

layer

play

noun lay·er \ ˈlā-ər \

Definition of layer for Students

1 :one thickness of something laid over another

a layer of rock

2 :a person who lays something

3 :a bird that lays eggs

layer

verb

Definition of layer for Students

layered; layering

:to form or arrange one thickness of something over another We layered the fruit with whipped cream.

Medical Dictionary

layer

play

noun lay·er \ ˈlā-ər, ˈle(-ə)r \

medical Definition of layer

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

2 :stratum 1

the outer layers of the skin

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layer

verb

Learn More about layer

See words that rhyme with layer Spanish Central: Translation of layer Nglish: Translation of layer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of layer for Arabic speakers

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layer

Definition of layer

layered

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Examples of layer in a Sentence

Recent Examples of layer from the Web

First Known Use of layer

Other Geology Terms

layer

Definition of layer

Examples of layer in a Sentence

Recent Examples of layer from the Web

First Known Use of layer

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LAYER Defined for English Language Learners

layer

Definition of layer for English Language Learners

layer

Definition of layer for English Language Learners

LAYER Defined for Kids

layer

Definition of layer for Students

layer

Definition of layer for Students

Medical Dictionary

layer

medical Definition of layer

layer

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