inlay

verb

in·lay | \ (ˌ)in-ˈlā

, ˈin-ˌlā

inlaid\ (ˌ)in-ˈlād

, ˈin-ˌlād \; inlaying

Definition of inlay

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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

inlay

noun

in·lay | \ ˈin-ˌlā

Definition of inlay (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : inlaid work or a decorative inlaid pattern

2 : a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

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Examples of inlay in a Sentence

Noun

The cabinet doors are decorated with inlays.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

There’s a laughing Buddha statue with four Caruso children climbing on it, a wind vane with the kids’ initials, and a favorite quote from each child inlaid in brass on the stone veranda. — Christina Binkley, latimes.com, "The Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito opens with a splash," 10 June 2019 The same was true of the Golden Lyre of Ur, a 4,500-year-old musical instrument inlaid with gold, silver and carnelian. — Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times, "In Iraq Museum, There Are Things ‘That Are Nowhere Else in the World’," 9 June 2019 Two ornamental copper discs inlaid with garnets rivetted the yoke to the arm. — Roff Smith, National Geographic, "New research questions famed burial of ‘first’ Christian Anglo-Saxon king," 8 May 2019 The water basin itself is inlaid with butterfly mosaics, while the surrounding glass walls and floors feature pill decals. — Christina Liao, Vogue, "Inside the World’s Most Expensive Hotel Suite, Designed by Damien Hirst," 1 Mar. 2019 Far from being lost in meditation, the figure’s expression is alert and its gaze direct, its eyes perhaps once inlaid with rock crystal or gemstones. — Lee Lawrence, WSJ, "‘The Jeweled Isle: Art From Sri Lanka’ Review: Reclaiming a Country’s Creative History," 1 Jan. 2019 It is currently presented as two duplexes with prewar details such as wainscoting, medallions, inlaid mahogany floors and mantles. — Kelsey Kloss, ELLE Decor, "Live In The Footsteps Of Young Lena Horne In This Brooklyn Brownstone For Sale," 14 Nov. 2016 The guest compartments, inlaid with cherrywood and hung in Thai fabrics, are like Victorian dollhouses. — Jo Rodgers, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Most Romantic Way to Get From Singapore to Bangkok," 7 Sep. 2018 Called the Round House, the 5,814 square-foot design is shaped like a half-circle for the most part and incorporates elements of stone, wood and glass alongside onyx terrazzo and brass inlaid concrete floors. — Alex Bazeley, Curbed, "This eclectic, circular midcentury house could be yours for $1.7M," 16 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

For example, the YMCA’s former basketball court with elevated running track has been converted into a 3,500-square-foot grand ballroom, featuring original brick wall inlays and hardwood floors. — Robert Benson/donny Cotten Photography, San Diego Union-Tribune, "$80M luxury hotel opens — in former downtown San Diego YMCA," 11 June 2019 Each Envy Wood Series laptop features authentic wood inlay in the keyboard deck, including the touchpad surface. — Melissa Riofrio, PCWorld, "The HP Envy Wood Series puts real walnut or birch in five stylish laptops," 28 May 2019 Robert is internationally known for his woodworking, silver-smiting and inlay and lamination work. — Anchorage Daily News, "Here is what you can expect for First Friday this week," 6 June 2019 This machine allows the staff to perform a number of procedures, including crowns, veneers and inlays, in one visit rather than several. — Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "RB dental office focuses on preventative care," 6 June 2019 Her desk was an antique directoire with leather inlays, her wardrobe perfectly suited to it. — Town & Country, "Mary Boone Is Taking a Break," 18 Apr. 2019 Now, imagine an opulent, historic bank with 50-foot vaulted ceilings, brass fixtures and lighting and marble inlay flooring. — Kelsey Kloss, ELLE Decor, "A Coworking Space Just Opened In Montreal's Royal Bank Tower," 23 Sep. 2016 That means the inlays and windows were probably made around the time of the city’s founding. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Medieval artisans built a glass-walled palace in the desert," 31 Aug. 2018 When leaving the lab, everyone must cross a special inlay in the floor that brushes the soles of your shoes, should any gold flakes or stray gems be caught in the treads. — Nick Remsen, Vogue, "In Mid-October, LVMH Will Offer a Rare Glimpse Into 76 of Its Worldwide Maisons," 27 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inlay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.