layering

[ ley-er-ing ]

/ ˈleɪ ər ɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR layering ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the wearing of lightweight or unconstructed garments one upon the other, as to create a fashionable ensemble or to provide warmth without undue bulkiness or heaviness.

Tailoring. the trimming of multiple layers of fabric at the seam allowance of a garment so as to prevent a ridge on the face of the garment when the seam is sewn.

Horticulture. Also lay·er·age

[ley-er-ij] /ˈleɪ ər ɪdʒ/. a method of propagating plants by causing their shoots to take root while still attached to the parent plant.

Nearby words

laydown, layer, layer board, layer cake, layer of rods and cones, layering, layette, laying on of hands, layman, layoff, layout

Origin of layering

layer + -ing¹

Definition for layering (2 of 2)

layer

[ ley-er ]

/ ˈleɪ ər /

noun

a thickness of some material laid on or spread over a surface: a layer of soot on the window sill; two layers of paint.

bed; stratum: alternating layers of basalt and sandstone.

a person or thing that lays: a carpet layer.

a hen kept for egg production.

one of several items of clothing worn one on top of the other.

Horticulture.

a shoot or twig that is induced to root while still attached to the living stock, as by bending and covering with soil.
a plant so propagated.

Ropemaking. a machine for laying rope or cable.

verb (used with object)

to make a layer of.

to form or arrange in layers.

to arrange or wear (clothing) in layers: You can layer this vest over a blouse or sweater.

Horticulture. to propagate by layering.

verb (used without object)

to separate into or form layers.

(of a garment) to permit of wearing in layers; be used in layering: Frilly blouses don't layer well.

Origin of layer

First recorded in 1350–1400, layer is from the Middle English word leyer, legger. See lay¹, -er¹

Related forms

lay·er·a·ble, adjectivein·ter·lay·er, nounin·ter·lay·er, verb (used with object)non·lay·ered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for layering

Minaj further mystifies her motives by layering these terrifying, offensive visual cues with her own totally incongruous lyrics.
Nicki Minaj’s ‘Only’ Lyrics Video Is Like a Loose Adaptation of ‘Mein Kampf’ ft. Drake|Amy Zimmerman|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I think every cyclist including me will be layering it on,” she said.
Pippa Eating At McDonalds in Missouri RIGHT NOW!|Tom Sykes|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Another key theme was layering—such as textured miniskirts over longer, narrow skirts—and suede or tutus over layers.
Chanel, Back to the Future|Liza Foreman|July 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The bust detail on his dresses often mimicked the layering of petals, for instance.
Raf Simons Debuts at Christian Dior With Couture Collection|Robin Givhan|July 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The final dresses, in fuchsia with embroidery, appliqué, layering and all manner of technical wizardry were a Cinderella dream.
Paris Fall Fashion Week Ends With Vuitton and Kanye|Robin Givhan|March 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This operation is variously known as “summer,” "herbaceous," “green” and “soft” layering.
The Nursery Book|Liberty Hyde Bailey
The summer is the best period for layering the young shoots.
Parsons on the Rose|Samuel Browne Parsons
Experimentally, I have been able to produce new plants from this tree by layering young shoots coming from the roots.
Growing Nuts in the North|Carl Weschcke
The varieties may be propagated by cuttings, or by layering; but they root, by both modes, with great difficulty.
Woodland Gleanings|Charles Tilt
Increase roses and American shrubs, by layering, budding or cuttings, and go on with the layering of carnations and picotees.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7|Various

British Dictionary definitions for layering (1 of 2)

layering

/ (ˈleɪərɪŋ) /

noun

horticulture a method of propagation that induces a shoot or branch to take root while it is still attached to the parent plant

geology the banded appearance of certain igneous and metamorphic rocks, each band being of a different mineral composition

British Dictionary definitions for layering (2 of 2)

layer

/ (ˈleɪə) /

noun

a thickness of some homogeneous substance, such as a stratum or a coating on a surface

one of four or more levels of vegetation defined in ecological studies: the ground or moss layer, the field or herb layer, the shrub layer, and one or more tree layers

a laying hen

horticulture

a shoot or branch rooted during layering
a plant produced as a result of layering

verb

to form or make a layer of (something)

to take root or cause to take root by layering

Word Origin for layer

C14 leyer, legger, from lay 1 + -er 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for layering

layer

[ lā′ər ]

n.

A single thickness of a material covering a surface or forming an overlying part or segment.

v.

To divide or form into layers.

layering

noun

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of layering

Definition for layering (2 of 2)

layer

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Origin of layer

Related forms

Examples from the Web for layering

British Dictionary definitions for layering (1 of 2)

layering

noun

British Dictionary definitions for layering (2 of 2)

layer

noun

verb

Word Origin for layer

Medicine definitions for layering

layer

n.

v.