inlay

1 of 2

verb

inlaid (ˌ)in-ˈlād How to pronounce inlay (audio)
ˈin-ˌlād
; inlaying

transitive verb

1
a
: to set into a surface or ground material
b
: to adorn with insertions
c
: to insert (something, such as a color plate) into a mat or other reinforcement
2
: to rub, beat, or fuse (something, such as wire) into an incision in metal, wood, or stone
inlayer noun

inlay

2 of 2

noun

in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: inlaid work or a decorative inlaid pattern
2
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

Examples of inlay in a Sentence

Noun The cabinet doors are decorated with inlays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Most are medium-sized and seem not only painted but built, with lots of sturdy squarish shapes inlaid in the frame. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2024 Only the black lacquered dial provides contrast, inlaid with silver glitter. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 University of Cambridge Archaeological Unit The Trumpington Cross, 3.5 cm across and inlaid with garnets. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 June 2023 The piece is inlaid with oval- and pear-cut yellow beryl, topaz quartz, and round-cut diamonds set in in gold and platinum, with two large briolette-cut stones hanging off the end. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2024 Options include visiting Bianco Bianchi’s scagliola workshop where guests can watch Bianchi’s descendants at work, and try their own hand at creating scagliola, inlaid decorative surfaces. Karen Gardiner, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2023 Beyond the portico entry, the double-height foyer’s grand staircase and inlaid marble floor are bathed in light that pours through a massive skylight. Mark David, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2023 Last year, one Marshall B. Mathers commissioned a bespoke R-Kaid-R, inlaid with the Eminem Superman logotype in mother of pearl. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 26 Sep. 2023 The large marble piece features tortoiseshell inlaid with metal. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 13 July 2023
Noun
Elegant, luxurious, and meticulously detailed with silver metal Riva brand inlays strategically throughout, the Diva is divine. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Volvo designers took the opportunity to incorporate more youthful flourishes in the cabin of the Plus trim, such as the textured metallic trim in place of traditional wood inlays and rectilinear vents with floating chrome adjusters. Jonathon Ramsey, Car and Driver, 27 June 2023 Interior upgrades include a sport steering wheel, carbon trim inlays, Valcona leather sport seats, and extended leather that reaches across the dashboard and door arm rests. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2024 Among the 14 works being returned to Cambodia are a 10th-century bronze Head of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion; and a bronze figure with silver inlay, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease, which dates from the 10th or 11th centuries during the Angkor period. Tom Mashberg, New York Times, 15 Dec. 2023 The main difference between the two is that the Onyx relies on cheaper build components than the Carbon, which features a more expensive Ortofon Red 2M cartridge in addition to a metal knob, faceplate, and inlay. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2024 Case in point: This sleek black dress boot featuring crocodile overlays and inlays. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2023 Made of eco-friendly, recycled brass casting, the titanium back posts are hypoallergenic for comfortable, itch-free wear, and the cubic zirconia inlay sparkles and shimmers depending on the angle and lighting. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2024 The two-speed turntable offers a carbon tonearm as well as a metal control knob, faceplate, and inlay. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inlay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inlay was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near inlay

Cite this Entry

“Inlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlay. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inlay

1 of 2 verb
in·​lay (ˈ)in-ˈlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
inlaid -ˈlād How to pronounce inlay (audio) ; inlaying
: to set into a surface for decoration or strengthening
inlayer noun

inlay

2 of 2 noun
in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: inlaid work or material used in inlaying
2
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

Medical Definition

inlay

noun
in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place
2
: a piece of tissue (as bone) laid into the site of missing tissue to cover a defect
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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