layaway
AmericanEtymology
Origin of layaway
First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase lay away
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s a new evolution of a layaway kind of thing,” Murray said.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025
The loans, digital versions of old-time layaway plans, are commonly known as “pay in four” because they’re often advertised as purchases that can be split into four payments over six weeks.
From New York Times • May 31, 2024
What the neighborhood didn’t know was that my dad only had enough money to buy the track jacket – the matching track pants and shell-toe Adidas shoes were still on layaway.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2024
The festival, which was aptly announced on Valentine’s Day, didn’t tout much else beyond the lineup and the layaway plan with a $19.99 down payment.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024
I know all about food stamps and dollar menus and layaway.
From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
