layout

[ ley-out ]

noun

1. an arrangement or plan:

   We objected to the layout of the house.

2. the act of laying or spreading out.
3. a plan or sketch, as of an advertisement or a page of a newspaper or magazine, indicating the arrangement and relationship of the parts, as of type and artwork.
4. (in advertising, publishing, etc.) the technique, process, or occupation of making layouts.
5. Journalism. spread ( def 34 ).
6. Informal. a place, as of residence or business, and the features that go with it; a setup:

   a fancy layout with a swimming pool and a tennis court.

7. Informal. a display or spread, as of dishes at a meal.
8. a collection or set of tools, implements, or the like.
9. Cards. an arrangement of cards dealt according to a given pattern, as in solitaire.
10. Diving, Gymnastics. a body position in which one is fully extended and arched backward, with the legs together and straight, the head thrown back, and the arms extended sideways. Compare pike ⁷, tuck ¹( def 14 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of layout¹

1840–50, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase lay out

Example Sentences

I love living with art, and whether it’s my living room or my outdoor area, or whatever office space I’m working on, I’m always reconfiguring the layout, because the right environment creates the right atmosphere for conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

The department described the building as having a mixed garden-style and center-hall layout.

From Los Angeles Times

As such, it’s a good idea to explore the layout of the vaginal canal at various points in the cycle before using a menstrual cup to become familiar with the body and its changes to tell if there are any abnormalities that happen when using a menstrual cup, Keller said.

From Salon

Changes to the layout would include making use of an outdoor patio for a further 144 guests.

From BBC

Stella said he was not surprised Ferrari were quick in Austin, and that the track layout did not suit McLaren.

From BBC

Related Words

• blueprint
• chart
• design
• geography
• map