Langimage
English

layaway

|lay/a/way|

B2

/ˈleɪəˌweɪ/

deferred purchase

Etymology
Etymology Information

'layaway' originates from the English words 'lay' and 'away', where 'lay' meant 'to place' and 'away' meant 'at a distance'.

Historical Evolution

'layaway' was first used in the early 20th century as a term for a payment plan.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to set aside for future purchase', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a system of paying a deposit to secure an item for later purchase, with the balance paid over time.

She put the dress on layaway until she could afford to pay the full price.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/31 03:06