lay out meaning and examples thumbnail

lay out meaning and examples

2025-09-22

Meaning

  • Lay out has several meanings depending on the context:

    1. To arrange or spread something in a clear and organized way.
    2. To explain something clearly and in detail.
    3. To spend money (informal).
    4. To knock someone unconscious (slang).

Grammar and Usage

  • Verb phrase (phrasal verb): lay out (something)

  • Present: lay out / Past: laid out / Past Participle: laid out

  • Common patterns:

    • lay out + object: "He laid out the tools on the table."
    • lay out + for + object: "She laid out $200 for the dress."

Common Phrases

  • lay out a plan – to explain or present a plan
  • lay out the money – to spend money
  • lay out on the table – to spread things neatly
  • be laid out – to be unconscious or knocked down

Collocations

  • lay out a garden
  • lay out clothes
  • lay out the design
  • lay out an argument
  • lay out money

Examples

  1. She laid out the documents on the desk for everyone to see.
  2. The architect laid out the design for the new building.
  3. He laid out his plans for the future during the meeting.
  4. I had to lay out a lot of money for car repairs last week.
  5. The boxer laid out his opponent with one punch.
  6. We laid out the picnic blanket under the tree.
  7. The teacher laid out the rules at the beginning of the class.
  8. They laid out the garden beautifully with flowers and shrubs.
  • arrange
  • display
  • spread out
  • explain
  • spend (money)
  • knock out

Antonym

  • put away
  • conceal
  • save (money)
  • withhold