layman's terms

American  

[ley-muhnz turmz] / ˈleɪ mənz ˌtɜrmz /

laymen’s terms

plural noun

1. words or text that are easily understood, as by someone who is not familiar with the jargon of a given profession or field.

   Can you please explain in layman's terms how this economic proposal is going to affect the taxpayers?

   Keep the information simple and in everyday layman's terms.

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Etymology

Origin of layman's terms

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

layman's terms

I have “modded” it, or in layman’s terms, modified the stock components and tuned the engine.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

In layman’s terms, that means lowering the cost of space access, bypassing the power bottlenecks holding back AI development, and using its satellite expertise to manage the entire project.

From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026

Immersing your body in cold water causes a stress response, known as “survival mode” or in layman’s terms, “Get me out!”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025

Or put in layman's terms, a one-in-435 chance.

From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2025

“In layman’s terms: I discovered a cure for aging.”

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm