layer

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /leɪə/ or /lɛə/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈleɪ.ɚ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular layer

Plural layers

1. (countable) A layer is a covering material or substance.

   When we got up in the morning, everything was covered by a thin layer of snow.

   The cream forms a germ-fighting layer over the skin.

   How many layers of clothing do you have to wear in the winter?

2. (countable) A layer is a level in an organisation.

   The company is trying to reduce the number of management layers.

3. (countable) A layer is a person who lays something, (e.g., carpet, bricks, etc.).
4. (countable) A layer is a chicken kept to lay eggs.

Related words

• lay

Verb

Plain form layer

Third-person singular layers

Past tense layered

Past participle layered

Present participle layering

1. If you layer something, you make layers.

   Layer the pasta in an ovenproof dish with the tomatoes, bacon and peas, seasoning each layer.