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 Gurarie, Health, 13 July 2025
For longer rides, be prepared for wind and weather with an extra layer.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 July 2025
If you’re headed to the gym, layer it with a lightweight zip-up or cropped jacket.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for layer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
These include: Moisturizers: Emollients and moisturizers combat itchiness by restoring the skin barrier (the natural layer of oil and skin that preserves moisture).
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 July 2025
For longer rides, be prepared for wind and weather with an extra layer.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
Inside the supple leather upholstery, each chair is layered with the brand’s ComfortCore padding to eliminate discomfort and promote better circulation.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 July 2025
If you’re headed to the gym, layer it with a lightweight zip-up or cropped jacket.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 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 20 Jul. 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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