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

Example Sentences

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
Noun
The layout of the house takes advantage of the deep lot (200 feet deep) and offers numerous connections to the outdoors. Ryan Conner, Dallas News, 17 May 2023 Officers can get to know staff members and regular patients, as well as the layout and protocols of hospital campuses. Renuka Rayasam, CNN, 16 May 2023 Musk has also confirmed that Twitter will be launching in-line media controls so that Twitter users can design tweets with blog-like layouts and control where media embeds appear in a tweet. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 10 May 2023 The generous layout includes 85 staterooms and 11 suites, the majority of which come with large balconies. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 May 2023 Throughout her career, Lillian has earned dozens of honors for her reporting, layout and design and photography. Talia Buford, ProPublica, 5 May 2023 But San Francisco’s venerable public golf layout hasn’t hosted an LPGA event. Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 May 2023 The size and layout of your existing furnishings are another consideration while shopping, as a sofa that’s too large or too small in comparison will appear out of place within the space. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2023 The gauge cluster can be customized with several layouts, including one that mimics the instruments on the 1987–1993 Fox-body Mustang. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 7 Apr. 2023
Verb
Meanwhile, the living room was laid out with entertaining in mind, anchored by an intimate seating arrangement around the fireplace and with benches and chairs lining the perimeter. Daniel Cappello, Town & Country, 5 Apr. 2023 He was laid out on the ground not moving. Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2023 The spaces are laid out as elegantly, and with the same deceptive simplicity, as the rooms and doorways within the paintings themselves. Liam Hess, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2023 There’s almost nothing better than kicking back by the pool, laying out on a chair with your legs up. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 29 Mar. 2023 Rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets in a parking lot outside the facility. Christine Fernando, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2023 Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. María Verza, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Mar. 2023 Inside the 'Heavenly Affair' with Ballerinas Dinner was laid out over a variety of food station stations to keep the energy flowing. Emily Strohm, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2023 Like so many Japanese products, this one is laid out in a way that puts one at home immediately. Pete Lyons, Car and Driver, 26 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'layout.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near layout

Cite this Entry

“Layout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layout. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

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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