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

If they decide to take the case to court, it will be called R v Mountbatten-Windsor, or in layman's terms, the King against the King's brother.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 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

In layman's terms, users let Fast-Cat know what ligands and precursor chemicals it has to start with, and then see how much it can learn over 60 experiments.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2024

Smesko’s offensive system is complicated, but in layman’s terms it works like this - 3-pointers or layups are the goal, midrange jumpers are frowned upon.

From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2023

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

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm