inlaid
(ˌ)in-ˈlād 
ˈin-ˌlād
; inlaying
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
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
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
The ornate white gold cross is inlaid with rose-cut diamonds and a large central ruby cabochon, while the 78.5 cm chain features emerald beads, briolette-, square-, and rose-cut diamonds, along with five ruby cabochons.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 May 2025
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
The gifted 747-8 plane from Qatar is certainly opulent, with big leather seats and wood inlay, multiple lounges, a bedroom suite and private office, according to marketing materials saved on the Internet Archive.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inlay
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Verb
Mirroring the materials used outside, the formal living room sports inlaid marble floors, glossy wood paneling, and a wood-burning fireplace framed by coral stone.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
The ornate white gold cross is inlaid with rose-cut diamonds and a large central ruby cabochon, while the 78.5 cm chain features emerald beads, briolette-, square-, and rose-cut diamonds, along with five ruby cabochons.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 May 2025
Noun
The two teams exchanged ideas on how to create challenging wood inlays and wood intarsias.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
The gifted 747-8 plane from Qatar is certainly opulent, with big leather seats and wood inlay, multiple lounges, a bedroom suite and private office, according to marketing materials saved on the Internet Archive.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inlay
Cite this Entry
“Inlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlay. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
inlay
noun
in·lay
ˈin-ˌlā
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
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