layer

layer — noun

1. one flat piece of a material that sits above or below other similar pieces, form

1.nounB1
Definition

one flat piece of a material that sits above or below other similar pieces, forming a stack or covering

Example

A thin layer of ice covered the surface of the pond.

collocation: layer of [substance]

The scientist discovered a layer of ancient ash from a volcanic eruption.

Common collocations
  • layer of dust
  • layer of ice
  • layer of paint
  • thin layer
  • thick layer
  • outer layer
  • top layer
Synonyms
  • sheet

    a thin flat piece of something, but does not imply it is part of a stack

  • coating

    a thin layer that entirely covers a surface

  • stratum

    a formal term for a layer in geology or society

Grammar Patterns

layer of [substance/material]

2. any one of several groups within a company, institution, or structure of thought

2.nounB2
Definition

any one of several groups within a company, institution, or structure of thought, arranged by position or importance

Example

The final decision must pass through several layers of management.

collocation: layers of management

The poem has many layers of meaning that reveal themselves slowly.

multiple layers of [abstract] — figurative use

Common collocations
  • layers of management
  • layer of bureaucracy
  • upper layers
  • multiple layers
Synonyms
  • level

    a more general word for position in a scale or hierarchy

  • tier

    a layer in a ranked system, often with a sense of ordered levels

Grammar Patterns

layer of [abstract noun]

layers of [organization/system]

Usage Note

Often used in the plural (layers) when describing multiple levels within an organization or system.

Common Mistakes

He works in the high layer of the company.
He works in the upper layers of the company.
Use 'upper', 'lower', 'middle', or 'top' with 'layer', not 'high' or 'low'.

3. a haircut in which higher strands are trimmed to a different length from the str

3.nounB1
Definition

a haircut in which higher strands are trimmed to a different length from the strands below, producing a graduated look

Example

Anya asked the hairdresser to cut her hair in long layers.

collocation: cut hair in layers

Short layers around the face can soften your features.

collocation: short layers around the face

Common collocations
  • long layers
  • short layers
  • add layers
  • cut in layers
  • layers around the face

Grammar Patterns

in layers

cut in layers

layer — verb

Word family

  • layered
    adjectiveB1
  • layering
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Layer, level, coating, sheet, and stratum all describe something flat or spread out, but they differ in use. Layer highlights the relationship between stacked items — one layer always has something above or below it. Level refers to a position or height on a scale, not necessarily a physical sheet. Coating is a thin covering applied to a surface for protection or decoration. Sheet is a broad, thin piece of a material such as paper, glass, or metal, and does not imply a stack. Stratum is a technical term used in geology for a rock layer or in sociology for a social class. For example, you spread a layer of frosting on a cake (stacked ingredient), apply a coating of paint to protect a wall, and place a sheet of paper on a desk.

level ↗coatingsheetstratum

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • layer by layer
  • layer upon layer

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Layer comes from the verb 'lay' combined with the suffix '-er'. Originally the word referred to a person who lays something, such as a bricklayer. Over time the meaning shifted to describe a sheet or level of material that is laid over something else. The hair-cutting sense developed in the early 1900s as hairstyles became more varied.