Layer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈlā-ər/ lay·er

Meaning & Definition of Layer

Layer (noun)

  1. one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)
  2. one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another
  3. stratum

Layer (verb)

  1. to propagate (a plant) by means of layers
  2. to place as a layer
  3. to place a layer on top of

Layer (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in loop, seam

    similar: corrugation, loop, plait, pleat, ply, pucker, seam, tuck, crease, crimp, crinkle, furrow, wrinkle, crow's-foot

  2. as in level, grade

    similar: bracket, echelon, grade, level, tier, caste, class, estate, folk, gentry, order, stratum, place, position, rank, standing, status, food chain, grouping, hierarchy, stratification, clan, family, fraternity, people, race, tribe, subcaste

Layer (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other; to form or arrange (something) in layers

    "The next step in the recipe is to layer the pasta and the sauce in the pan."

    "We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies."

    similar: pyramid, heap, mound, pile, stack, bank, accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, concentrate, garner, gather, group, mass, bunch, clump, lump
    opposite: unpile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Layer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Layer:

corrugation, loop, plait, pleat, ply, pucker, seam, tuck, crease, crimp, crinkle, furrow, wrinkle, crow's-foot, bracket, echelon, grade, level, tier, caste, class, estate, folk, gentry, order, stratum, place, position, rank, standing, status, food chain, grouping, hierarchy, stratification, clan, family, fraternity, people, race

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Layer

Words with the opposite meaning of Layer:

unpile

Word Forms of Layer

Inflections: layered, layering, layers

Derived words: layered (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Layer

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Layer

Words & Phrases Containing Layer

layer cake, atomic layer deposition, boundary layer, D layer, E layer, F layer, F1 layer, F2 layer

Frequently Asked Questions about Layer

What does "Layer" mean?

"Layer" means one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: one that lays something (such as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs). It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Layer"?

Other words for "Layer" include corrugation, loop, plait, pleat, ply, pucker, seam and tuck. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Layer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Layer"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Layer". Common alternatives include corrugation, loop, plait, pleat, ply, pucker, seam, tuck, crease and crimp.

What is the opposite of "Layer"?

Antonyms of "Layer" include unpile.

How do you use "Layer" in a sentence?

Examples of "Layer" in a sentence: "The next step in the recipe is to layer the pasta and the sauce in the pan."; "We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.".

Is "Layer" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Layer" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Layer" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Layer" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Layer"?

"Layer" is pronounced /ˈlā-ər/ and divided into syllables as lay·er.