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Definition of layman

layman

/ˈleɪ.mən/
lay · man
Plural:laymen
•
Adjective:lay
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layman Lexical Profile

layman Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge of a particular subject, such as medicine, law, or science.

Example

"The doctor explained the complex medical diagnosis in simple terms that any layman could easily understand."

2

A member of a religious congregation who is not an ordained member of the clergy.

Example

"Although he was a devoted layman rather than a priest, he volunteered every Sunday to assist with the parish liturgy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for layman

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern usage, the gender-neutral term "layperson" is often preferred when referring to non-specialists or non-ordained church members regardless of gender.

• Rhymes for layman

• Nearby Words

layered
layering
layia
layman
layoff
layout
layover

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of "lay" (from Old French lai, ultimately from Ancient Greek laikos, meaning "of the people") and "man".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Layman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/layman
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