marquetry

noun

mar·​que·​try ˈmär-kə-trē 

variants or less commonly marqueterie

: decorative work in which elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (such as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface (as of a piece of furniture)

Illustration of marquetry

• M marquetry

Examples of marquetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For Hollidge and Eshaghpour, straw marquetry felt like an intuitive extension of their practice. — Jill Singer, Curbed, 23 Sep. 2026

Using techniques ranging from leather marquetry to laser printing, Vuitton’s workshops have reproduced the artist’s graffiti-style designs on a selection of Capucines handbags. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

The rest of the cabin was designed to complement the marquetry. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Since Mizell is a graphic artist by trade, technology plays a central role in his marquetry. — Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French marqueterie, from marqueter to checker, inlay, from marque mark

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above