1
: one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)
2
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; layering; layers
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
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
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
The piece is layered in colorful titanium that is centered with a 46.62-carat paraiba tourmaline.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layer
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Noun
As Cena's retirement looms at the end of 2025, this partnership adds another layer to his final year.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
Case and point: The nightstand vignette layers a scalloped lamp shade, a shimmery vase with fresh flowers, a candle, and a tray for jewelry or a phone to rest.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
The piece is layered in colorful titanium that is centered with a 46.62-carat paraiba tourmaline.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layer
Cite this Entry
“Layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layer. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
layer
noun
lay·er
ˈlā-ər, ˈle(-ə)r 
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
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