layperson

noun

lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpər-sᵊn 

plural laypeople ˈlā-ˌpē-pəl  also laypersons

1

: a member of the laity (see laity sense 1)

It [the Vatican] permitted groups of laypeople to apply to their local bishop and, after affirming loyalty to Vatican II, receive an indult allowing limited celebration of the 1962 missal.

—Peter Jeffrey

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will award the Marian Medal to 79 laypersons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese …

—Mansfield (Massachusetts) News

2

: a person who does not belong to a particular profession or who is not expert or versed in some field

Intended for the layperson, this book uses straightforward language to aid in identifying more than 500 medicinal plants.

—Mark Blumenthal

Technically, it's called "Ultimate," but most laypeople need the "Frisbee" attached to make an association.

—Joe Miller

Examples of layperson in a Sentence

a meeting between clergy and laypeople

Recent Examples on the Web

These are unfathomable numbers for the layperson, but for an economist, these portend an upward trend that places a significant burden on both the government and individuals. —Shakeel Ahmed, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

The study defines bystander CPR as any resuscitative effort provided by a layperson or non-medical professional prior to EMS arrival. —Dillon Mullan, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024

The average layperson knows Stewart for his notorious brawls with key basketball figures (like LeBron James). —Mat Issa, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Butterfly Effects: The insanely long tail of Nick Saban’s retirement In January, any layperson immediately understood the gravity of Nick Saban’s retirement. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

layperson

noun

lay·​per·​son ˈlā-ˌpərs-ᵊn 

: a member of the laity