lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər 

1

a

: a spirit varnish (such as shellac)

b

: any of various durable natural varnishes

especially : a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (Toxicodendron vernicifluum synonym Rhus verniciflua)

called also Japanese lacquer

2

: any of various clear or colored synthetic organic coatings that typically dry to form a film by evaporation of the solvent

especially : a solution of a cellulose derivative (such as nitrocellulose)

lacquer

2 of 2

verb

lacquered; lacquering ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to coat with or as if with lacquer

2

: to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy

lacquered her hair

lacquerer

ˈla-kər-ər 

noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun

Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The seat and chair back are woven using an all-weather wicker material and sealed with a water-resistant lacquer to create a seat that’s built to withstand year-round outdoor conditions. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

Or the way the setting sun hit the lacquer furniture and the shiny brass knobs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

The pieces of poultry are charred and lacquered to an almost midnight-black sheen. —Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026

The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out. —Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Portuguese lacré sealing wax, from laca lac, from Arabic lakk, from Persian lak — more at lac

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lacquer

• Japanese lacquer

Rhymes for lacquer

• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• packer
• slacker
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker
• attacker
• backpacker

Kids Definition

lacquer

noun

lac·​quer

ˈlak-ər

: a material like varnish that dries quickly into a shiny layer (as on wood or metal)

lacquer verb