layering

American  

[ley-er-ing] / ˈleɪ ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the wearing of lightweight or unconstructed garments one upon the other, as to create a fashionable ensemble or to provide warmth without undue bulkiness or heaviness.

2. Tailoring. the trimming of multiple layers of fabric at the seam allowance of a garment so as to prevent a ridge on the face of the garment when the seam is sewn.

3. Horticulture. Also layerage a method of propagating plants by causing their shoots to take root while still attached to the parent plant.

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layering British  

/ ˈleɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. horticulture a method of propagation that induces a shoot or branch to take root while it is still attached to the parent plant

2. geology the banded appearance of certain igneous and metamorphic rocks, each band being of a different mineral composition

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Etymology

Origin of layering

layer + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"It's a layering of risk. There are no easy answers here," Marks concludes.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Still, ever-changing rates and the layering of different taxes on top of each other “made it challenging to track the exact impact to an individual item sold,” Vachris added.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

This layering makes it difficult for investors and regulators to assess overall financial leverage in the system.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

How do you balance layering up for the cold versus dressing for hard work and sweat?

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

The voice changes, twisting and layering as if there are three Darins all talking at once.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir