layperson

noun

lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpər-sᵊn How to pronounce layperson (audio)
plural laypeople ˈlā-ˌpē-pəl How to pronounce layperson (audio) also laypersons
Synonyms of laypersonnext
1
: a member of the laity (see laity sense 1)
Unitarian Universalists are also active advocates for trans rights, and we have many LGBTQ+ clergy and laypeople in our congregations today.—Jim Merritt
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will award the Marian Medal to 79 laypersons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese …—Mansfield (Massachusetts) News
2
: a person who does not belong to a particular profession or who is not expert or versed in some field
Intended for the layperson, this book uses straightforward language to aid in identifying more than 500 medicinal plants.—Mark Blumenthal
Technically, it's called "Ultimate," but most laypeople need the "Frisbee" attached to make an association.—Joe Miller

Examples of layperson in a Sentence

a meeting between clergy and laypeople
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.
Wilding’s evidence seems obvious in hindsight, even to a layperson. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 8 June 2026 Driver and scientific studies say the benefits are real, but what about the layperson? — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 2 Mar. 2026 Moreover, the dashboard itself is very difficult for parents and other laypersons to understand. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026 Our dashboards should be immediately legible to a layperson. — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for layperson

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for layperson

See All Rhymes for layperson

Browse Nearby Words

lay over
layperson
lay plans
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Layperson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layperson. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

layperson

noun
lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpərs-ᵊn How to pronounce layperson (audio)
: a member of the laity

More from Merriam-Webster on layperson

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for layperson

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