laminate

American  

[lam-uh-neyt, lam-uh-neyt, -nit] / ˈlæm əˌneɪt, ˈlæm əˌneɪt, -nɪt /

verb (used with object)

laminated, laminating

1. to separate or split into thin layers.

2. to form (metal) into a thin plate, as by beating or rolling.

3. to construct from layers of material bonded together.

4. to cover or overlay with laminae.

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verb (used without object)

laminated, laminating

1. to split into thin layers.

adjective

1. Also composed of or having laminae.

noun

1. a laminated product; lamination.

laminate British  

/ ˈlæmɪnəbəl /

verb

1. (tr) to make (material in sheet form) by bonding together two or more thin sheets

2. to split or be split into thin sheets

3. (tr) to beat, form, or press (material, esp metal) into thin sheets

4. (tr) to cover or overlay with a thin sheet of material

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noun

1. a material made by bonding together two or more sheets

adjective

1. having or composed of lamina; laminated

Other Word Forms

• laminable
  adjective
• laminator
  noun
• multilaminate
  adjective
• nonlaminating
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of laminate

From the New Latin word lāminātus, dating back to 1660–70. See lamina, -ate ¹

Explanation

To laminate is to make something, especially paper, stronger and thicker by layering sheets of clear plastic over it. You might want to laminate your flimsy library card to protect it. Today all states laminate drivers' licenses, making them a sturdy plastic card rather than the insubstantial piece of paper they used to be. You might decide to laminate a poster for a school presentation you're giving, or laminate some old photos to protect them. Most methods used to laminate involve heat and some type of sticky or adhesive substance. The Latin root is lamina, "thin slice, leaf, or layer."

Example Sentences

Drivers include a strong recovery in demand for AWS Trainium—a family of purpose-built AI accelerator chips— which should materially boost the company’s M8-grade copper-clad laminate shipments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Much to her delight, Brettler discovered Soriano’s original blueprints, along with laminate and cork samples, and a scrapbook detailing the construction process, stored beneath the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

Mr Peck said he was disappointed by the way samples of a large piece of laminate flooring in the lounge, where it was believed the fire started, had been taken.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Gray flooring in apartments is also often laminate — a synthetic material that gives the appearance of wood and is cheaper than real hardwood flooring.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

They just sit there in silence across from each other at the laminate table of the RV, which has traveled the country and seen better days.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti