layer

1 of 2

noun

lay·​er ˈlā-ər How to pronounce layer (audio) ˈler How to pronounce layer (audio)
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
3
a
: a branch or shoot of a plant that roots while still attached to the parent plant
b
: a plant developed by layering
layered adjective

layer

2 of 2

verb

layered; layering; layers

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

Examples of layer in a Sentence

Noun 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 Verb We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
That means smart layers, cushy fabrics, and pieces that transition seamlessly from the aircraft to my final destination. Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2024 Seattle’s damp and gloomy climate nurtured the prevailing preference for a relaxed silhouette, soft fabrics, and disparate layers. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
While data centers require substantial upfront investment, the ability to layer high-margin software and services on top allows cloud providers to achieve considerable profitability. Dr. Ekta Dang, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Blunder suggests choosing a formula with a matte or satin finish and layering the crayon with a lip liner for extra longevity. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for layer 

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of layer was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near layer

Cite this Entry

“Layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layer. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

layer

1 of 2 noun
lay·​er ˈlā-ər How to pronounce layer (audio)
ˈle(-ə)r
1
: one that lays
their hens were poor layers
2
: one thickness or fold over or under another
a layer or rock
layered
ˈlā-ərd How to pronounce layer (audio)
ˈle(-ə)rd
adjective

layer

2 of 2 verb
1
: to separate into layers
2
: to form by adding layers

Medical Definition

layer

noun
1
: one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another
2
: stratum sense 1
the outer layers of the skin
layer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on layer

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