# laminate

/ˈɫæməˌneɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laminate
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. layered material

noun · CEFR B2

a strong material made by sticking several thin layers together.

For teachers: a material constructed by bonding two or more layers of the same or different materials together for increased strength or durability.

- We chose a durable laminate for the kitchen floor because it is easy to clean.
- The structural integrity of the aircraft wing depends on a high-performance carbon-fibre laminate that resists extreme tension.

### 2. to cover in plastic

verb · CEFR B2

to cover a piece of paper or a card in a thin layer of protective plastic.

For teachers: to bond a transparent plastic film to a flat surface, typically paper, to provide protection and rigidity.

- The teacher decided to laminate the classroom rules so they would last all year.
- The print shop offers a service to laminate large-scale maps, ensuring they remain waterproof and legible during outdoor field research.

### 3. to create layers

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to make something by joining thin sheets of material together.

For teachers: to manufacture a product by bonding multiple layers of material, such as wood or metal, into a single unit.

- The carpenter will laminate several strips of wood to create a curved chair leg.
- Engineers often laminate thin sheets of electrical steel to form the cores of transformers, which helps reduce energy loss from eddy currents.

### 4. consisting of layers

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

made of or having many thin layers.

For teachers: composed of or arranged in thin plates or layers; possessing a laminated structure.

- The geologist pointed out the laminate structure of the rock near the cliff.
- The specimen exhibited a distinct laminate morphology, suggesting a history of sequential deposition in a low-energy aquatic environment.

## Examples

- The kitchen floor is made of durable wood laminate.
- The manufacturer applied a protective laminate to the surface of the table to prevent scratches and stains.
- The architect specified a high-performance laminate for the building's exterior cladding to ensure it could withstand extreme weather conditions without fading or peeling.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.