layperson

noun

lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpər-sᵊn How to pronounce layperson (audio)
plural laypeople ˈlā-ˌpē-pəl How to pronounce layperson (audio) also laypersons
1
: a member of the laity (see laity sense 1)
It [the Vatican] permitted groups of laypeople to apply to their local bishop and, after affirming loyalty to Vatican II, receive an indult allowing limited celebration of the 1962 missal.Peter Jeffrey
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will award the Marian Medal to 79 laypersons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese …Mansfield (Massachusetts) News
2
: a person who does not belong to a particular profession or who is not expert or versed in some field
Intended for the layperson, this book uses straightforward language to aid in identifying more than 500 medicinal plants.Mark Blumenthal
Technically, it's called "Ultimate," but most laypeople need the "Frisbee" attached to make an association.Joe Miller

Examples of layperson in a Sentence

a meeting between clergy and laypeople
Recent Examples on the Web On the contrary, Inequality and Instability will probably be somewhat intimidating for the layperson. Gillian Tett, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2012 Despite all that, conjectures by laypersons that the illness or death of acquaintances can be traced to the vaccines are legion. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024 The instructions, known as a jury charge, are often lengthy, with the judge explaining complicated legal concepts and a weighty set of decisions in a way that any layperson might understand. Graham Kates, CBS News, 21 May 2024 As the service came to an end, Bartholomew delivered the traditional blessing for a new archon, a layperson being honored for service to the Church. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for layperson 

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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near layperson

Cite this Entry

“Layperson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layperson. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

layperson

noun
lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpərs-ᵊn How to pronounce layperson (audio)
: a member of the laity

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