layabout

noun

lay·​about ˈlā-ə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce layabout (audio)
Synonyms of layaboutnext
: a lazy shiftless person : idler

Synonyms of layabout

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Examples of layabout in a Sentence

she regretted ever asking that layabout to be her roommate, as he created the mess of two people and refused to help with anything
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not surprisingly, some colonists preferred to be layabouts. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 27 Nov. 2025 Marlon's Shorty Meeks is in his 25th year of high school, but has made millions as a layabout live-streamer. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 As the story begins, Mary and Boo are neighbors, unemployed millennial layabouts who rarely leave their rooms. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026 Moore’s then-husband Bruce Willis plays against-type as the abusive layabout husband of hairdresser Joyce (Glenne Headly). — Katie Rife, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for layabout

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of layabout was in 1932

Rhymes for layabout

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Browse Nearby Words

lay abbot
layabout
lay a finger on
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Cite this Entry

“Layabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layabout. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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