outlay

American  

[out-ley, out-ley] / ˈaʊtˌleɪ, ˌaʊtˈleɪ /

noun

1. an expending or spending, as of money.

2. an amount expended; expenditure.

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verb (used with object)

outlaid, outlaying

1. to expend, as money.

outlay British  

noun

1. an expenditure of money, effort, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to spend (money)

Etymology

Origin of outlay

First recorded in 1545–55; out- + lay ¹

Example Sentences

The outlay has some investors nervous, with shares down 25% on the year to $145.54 as of Monday’s close of trading.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

For a small outlay, Iran can secure an outsize return.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"While they did have a significant transfer outlay, you've to take a long term view on their spending," Maguire said.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

One possible complication, however, could be the record capital-expenditure outlay of U.S.-based AI companies that don’t appear to be generating high returns.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

The outlay for insecticides in Nova Scotia apple orchards is only from 10 to 20 per cent of the amount spent in most other apple-growing areas.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• disbursement
• expenditure
• expense
• investment
• price tag
• spending