layout

1 of 2

noun

lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t How to pronounce layout (audio)
1
: the plan or design or arrangement of something laid out: such as
b
: final arrangement of matter to be reproduced especially by printing
2
: the act or process of planning or laying out in detail
3
a
: something that is laid out
a model train layout
b
: land or structures or rooms used for a particular purpose
a cattle-ranching layout
also : place
c
: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2

verb

laid out; laying out; lays out

transitive verb

1
2
: spend
3
a
: to prepare (a corpse) for viewing
b
: to knock flat or unconscious
4
: to plan in detail
lay out a campaign
5
6
: to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing

Examples of layout in a Sentence

Noun The layout of the apartment was good, but the kitchen was too small. She designed the page layout for the new magazine. Verb he laid out big bucks for a new lawnmower that runs by itself the transatlantic balloonists laid out a backup plan in case of an emergency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
With its history, acreage, and versatile layout, this property lends itself to countless uses, Rolph said. Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025 The Video Collage Designer includes preset PiP layouts. PC Magazine, 15 Nov. 2025
Verb
Motions lay out legal battle to come The details come in a 24-page filing by prosecutors aimed at limiting the arguments and material used by Dugan's legal team during the five-day trial. John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025 The policy memorandums lay out in detail his plans to enhance physical fitness, grooming standards and military readiness. NPR, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for layout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of layout was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Layout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layout. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

layout

1 of 2 noun
lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t How to pronounce layout (audio)
1
2
: something laid out
3
: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)lā-ˈau̇t
1
: plan entry 2 sense 1
lay out a campaign
2
: to arrange for display or for working on
lay out an exhibit
3

More from Merriam-Webster on layout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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