# layered

/ˈɫeɪɝd/ (US) · /lˈeɪəd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. physical levels

adjective · CEFR B2

made of several layers or levels on top of each other.

For teachers: consisting of or arranged in several distinct layers or strata.

- The chef prepared a beautiful layered cake with chocolate and cream.
- The geological survey revealed a layered rock formation that provided a clear timeline of the region's volcanic activity.

### 2. clothing

adjective · CEFR B2

wearing several pieces of clothing on top of each other to stay warm.

For teachers: referring to a style of dressing where multiple garments are worn over one another for insulation or aesthetic effect.

- A layered look is perfect for hiking when the weather changes quickly.
- The autumn collection features layered outfits that combine lightweight wool with technical fabrics for maximum versatility.

### 3. complex or deep

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

having many different parts or meanings that are not obvious at first.

For teachers: possessing multiple levels of meaning, complexity, or nuance.

- The movie has a layered story that you understand better the second time.
- The protagonist is a layered character whose motivations are only fully revealed in the final chapters of the novel.

## Examples

- She wore a layered dress to the party.
- The chef prepared a delicious layered cake with alternating tiers of chocolate and raspberry cream.
- The novelist's latest work features a layered narrative that shifts between three different time periods, requiring the reader to track subtle connections across generations.

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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.