noun

layman

LAY-muhn

noun

A person without specialised knowledge or training in a particular subject.

"The report was written so that a layman could follow the argument."

"To a layman, the two chemicals look identical."

A member of a religious congregation who is not clergy.

"The sermon was delivered by a layman rather than the priest."

How to Use Layman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn ordinary person without expert or professional training in a subject.

Common pairings

in layman's terms a layman's understanding

laymen plural, Laymans plural

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The report was written so that a _____ could follow the argument.

From Middle English lay man — "lay" (non-clergy) plus "man."

Lyman Cayman bogeyman handyman everyman ferryman candyman clergyman countryman highwayman assemblyman