What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
layaway
Example
I put the TV on layaway so I can pay for it over the next few months. [layaway: noun]
Example
She is currently layawaying a dress for her sister's wedding. [layawaying: present participle]
reservation
Example
I made a reservation for two at the Italian restaurant for Friday night. [reservation: noun]
Example
We need to make a reservation for the conference room for our meeting. [reservation: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reservation is more commonly used than layaway in everyday language. Reservation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while layaway is less common and is primarily used in retail settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between layaway and reservation?
Both layaway and reservation are generally considered informal terms, but reservation can be used in more formal settings such as business meetings or conferences.