layer vs overlay

overlay vs layer

layer and overlay both are nouns.

layer and overlay both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
layer	Yes	No	Yes	No
overlay	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, overlay is a hyponym of layer; that is, overlay is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than layer:

layer: single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
overlay: a layer of decorative material (such as gold leaf or wood veneer) applied over a surface

Other hyponyms of layer include backing, mount, blanket, course, row, cushion, interlayer, lift, ply, tier, wall.

layer (noun)	overlay (noun)
thin structure composed of a single thickness of cells	protective covering consisting, for example, of a layer of boards applied to the studs and joists of a building to strengthen it and serve as a foundation for a weatherproof exterior
a hen that lays eggs	a layer of decorative material (such as gold leaf or wood veneer) applied over a surface
single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
an abstract place usually conceived as having depth
a relatively thin sheetlike expanse or region lying over or under another

layer (verb)	overlay (verb)
make or form a layer	put something on top of something else
	kill by lying on

Difference between layer and overlay

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