layout

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The way in which parts of something are arranged on a surface or in a space.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a layout' or 'the layouts'.

   Patterns

   • the layout of something
   • a layout for something

   The layout of the kitchen makes it easy to cook and clean.

   I like the layout of this magazine; the articles are easy to find.

   The new office has a more efficient layout than the old one.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountablecomputing

   The design and arrangement of text and images on a page or screen.

   Grammar: Often used in publishing and web design; can be countable ('a layout') or uncountable ('layout and design').

   Patterns

   • page layout
   • website layout
   • layout design

   The website layout uses a simple two-column grid.

   She studied graphic design and learned about layout and typography.

   The newspaper changed its layout to include more photos.

Word forms

Common combinations

page layout

The page layout leaves wide margins for notes.

layout of the land

Before building, they studied the layout of the land.

layout plan

The architect showed us a layout plan for the new library.

change the layout

We changed the layout to make the room feel bigger.

website layout

A clean website layout helps visitors find information quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

arrangement

More general; can refer to the order of things in time or space, not just visual design.

design

Focuses on the planned look or function, while layout emphasizes the positions of parts.

format

Often used for the size, shape, and general organization of a document or file.

Word family

lay out phrasal verb

To arrange something in a particular way.

layout noun

The arrangement itself.

Commonly confused: layout or lay out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “layout”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words