as in stacking
to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other; to form or arrange (something) in layers
The next step in the recipe is to layer the pasta and the sauce in the pan. We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.
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Recent Examples of layering
There’s no evidence that layering a generational ban on top of those successful policies will improve outcomes materially.
—
Alex Weatherall, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Designers and fragrance pros say the trick is layering, building scent the way a hotel does, starting with a deep clean and ending with a final mist over the bedding.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
If employees are confused about their roles and receiving mixed signals, layering AI on top only amplifies the chaos.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
And using all this information, layering that on top of each other, and then looking at her physical transformation—a lot of that was her hair.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026
For styling, Powell suggests layering the linen shirt and tank top, then wrap-tucking it instead of buttoning.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Parents are increasingly building meals around a protein source first — eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, beans or tofu — and then layering everything else around it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Or, commit to florals by layering them with other botanicals for a full-fledged maximalist impact.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
Cyklar’s scents are great for layering whether that be with its other perfume oils or body care products.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Alex Weatherall, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Designers and fragrance pros say the trick is layering, building scent the way a hotel does, starting with a deep clean and ending with a final mist over the bedding.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
If employees are confused about their roles and receiving mixed signals, layering AI on top only amplifies the chaos.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
And using all this information, layering that on top of each other, and then looking at her physical transformation—a lot of that was her hair.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026
For styling, Powell suggests layering the linen shirt and tank top, then wrap-tucking it instead of buttoning.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Parents are increasingly building meals around a protein source first — eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, beans or tofu — and then layering everything else around it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Or, commit to florals by layering them with other botanicals for a full-fledged maximalist impact.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
Cyklar’s scents are great for layering whether that be with its other perfume oils or body care products.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layering
Verb
-
The main stage propellant tank arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida in April, and the final segments of the launch vehicle's solid rocket boosters recently departed Northrop Grumman's manufacturing facility on a train ride to KSC for stacking and SLS integration.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
9 June 2026
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The Duchess of Sussex has sported a yellow gold Cartier LOVE Bracelet (which retails starting at $5,300) for years, often stacking it with a matching yellow gold Cartier Tank Française watch.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Instead of piling sounds together for maximalist overwhelm, their more minimal approach allows for a great deal of expression in their respective playing.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
-
Rytina has been in the hospital for more than a week, and the medical costs are only piling up.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Layering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layering. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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