layout

1 of 2

noun

lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t How to pronounce layout (audio)
Synonyms of layoutnext
1
: the plan or design or arrangement of something laid out: such as
a
: dummy sense 5b
b
: final arrangement of matter to be reproduced especially by printing
2
: the act or process of planning or laying out in detail
3
a
: something that is laid out
a model train layout
b
: land or structures or rooms used for a particular purpose
a cattle-ranching layout
also : place
c
: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2

verb

laid out; laying out; lays out

transitive verb

1
: display, exhibit
2
: spend
3
a
: to prepare (a corpse) for viewing
b
: to knock flat or unconscious
4
: to plan in detail
lay out a campaign
5
: arrange, design
6
: to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing

Synonyms of layout

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of layout in a Sentence

Noun The layout of the apartment was good, but the kitchen was too small. She designed the page layout for the new magazine. Verb he laid out big bucks for a new lawnmower that runs by itself the transatlantic balloonists laid out a backup plan in case of an emergency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Plus, the modular set includes one roomy sofa, one armchair, a large and small ottoman, and an acacia coffee table that can be configured in several layouts to suit your needs. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 All-wing approach The Z4 replaces much of the traditional tube-and-wing layout with a broad airframe that combines the fuselage and lifting surfaces. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Nicholas was forced to contact members and lay out an extended plan for how the surfaces would be improved, ranging from the straightforward to the nuclear. — Ben Jones aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for layout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of layout was in the 15th century

Rhymes for layout

See All Rhymes for layout

Browse Nearby Words

lay on the table
layout
lay out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Layout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layout. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

layout

1 of 2 noun
lay·​out ˈlā-ˌau̇t How to pronounce layout (audio)
1
: plan entry 1 sense 1, arrangement
2
: something laid out
3
: a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)lā-ˈau̇t
1
: plan entry 2 sense 1
lay out a campaign
2
: to arrange for display or for working on
lay out an exhibit
3
: spend sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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