leɪ aʊt
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- lay
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "lay out" mean?
- To arrange things in a particular way
- To explain or describe something clearly
- To spend money (informal)
- To knock someone unconscious
Examples
- She laid out all the documents on the table.
- The report lays out the company's plans for the future.
- We laid out $500 on new furniture.
- He laid out his opponent with one punch.
- Let me lay out the options for you.
How to use it
'Layout' (noun) refers to the arrangement or design of something. 'Lay out' for spending money is informal. Common in design and planning contexts.
Word order
Object can go between: 'lay the clothes out' or after: 'lay out the clothes'. For explaining: 'lay out' + plan/options.
Similar expressions
arrange
display
explain
spend
knock out
Opposites
gather
hide
save
Related phrasal verbs
- lay off
To stop employing workers, usually temporarily
- lay down
To establish rules or principles officially
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
- give out
To distribute something to multiple people
Use it in a practice answer
Try "lay out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.