layer
LAIR
Layer (noun) means a single thickness of material covering a surface, or one level in a stack of such materials. Example: “She added a layer of frosting between each cake tier.”
noun
1
A single thickness of material covering a surface, or one level in a stack of such materials.
"She added a layer of frosting between each cake tier."
"The design software lets you edit each layer of the image separately."
"A thin layer of dust covered the shelves after the long holiday."
2
A hen kept specifically for producing eggs.
"The farm keeps two hundred layers for its egg business."
"My uncle bought six layers from a neighbour so we could have fresh eggs."
"Good layers can produce an egg almost every day if they are fed well."
verb
1
To arrange something in layers.
"Layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese to build the lasagne."
"On cold mornings I layer a jumper under my coat to stay warm."
"The painter layered thin coats of varnish until the wood shone."
How to use layer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne level of something stacked or spread, or the act of stacking things that way.
Common pairings
a layer of paint
top layer
layer clothing
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Word forms
- Plural
- layers
- Third person singular
- layers
- Past tense
- layered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She added a _____ of frosting between each cake tier.
Etymology
From "lay" plus the agent suffix "-er" — originally someone who laid bricks or stones.
Related words
Rhymes for layer
See all rhymes for layer →Frequently asked questions
What does “layer” mean?
The word “layer” means a single thickness of material covering a surface, or one level in a stack of such materials. In plain terms, one level of something stacked or spread, or the act of stacking things that way.
How do you pronounce “layer”?
“Layer” is pronounced LAIR (/ˈlɛə/ in IPA).
How do you use “layer” in a sentence?
Here is “layer” used in a sentence: “She added a layer of frosting between each cake tier.”
What is another word for “layer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “layer” include lay.
What part of speech is “layer”?
Depending on how it is used, “layer” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “layer” a common word?
“Layer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “layer” have?
“Layer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single thickness of material covering a surface, or one level in a stack of such materials.
What is the difference between a layer and a coat?
A layer is any single thickness of material, whether solid, soft, or stacked — like a layer of cake or a layer of clothing. A coat usually means one covering of something applied as a liquid, such as a coat of paint or varnish that dries onto a surface.
What is an example of a layer?
Layers are everywhere: the icing spread between sponges in a cake, a sheet of insulation in a wall, or the different bands of rock in a cliff. In clothing, a jumper worn over a shirt adds a layer of warmth. Each is one level within a stack.
What does it mean to do something in layers?
Working in layers means building up a surface one thickness at a time rather than all at once. Painters add thin layers so each dries evenly, cooks stack layers of flavour, and dressing in layers lets you add or remove clothing as the temperature changes.
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