layperson
layperson Lexical Profile
layperson Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge in a particular subject, such as medicine, science, or law.
"The medical journal article was rewritten in plain language so that any layperson could understand the findings."
A member of a church or religious congregation who is not an ordained member of the clergy.
"A dedicated layperson was chosen by the parish council to lead the weekly study group."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Layperson" is the standard gender-neutral alternative to "layman" or "laywoman." It takes two accepted plural forms: "laypersons" (often preferred in formal or legal contexts) and "laypeople" (more common in everyday usage).
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th or 20th century as a gender-neutral compound of "lay" (from Old French lai and Late Latin laicus, from Ancient Greek laikos meaning "of the people") and "person."