inlay

1 of 2

verb

in·​lay (ˌ)in-ˈlā  ˈin-ˌlā 

inlaid (ˌ)in-ˈlād 

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 

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

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

Excavations of the massive crater uncovered several artifacts, such as a silver chain and a belt fitting inlaid with glass, officials said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025

Noun

Pontiffs sat inside various luxurious carriages over the years, including the Grand Gala Berlin, which featured a red-velvet interior, gold inlay and plumes and the papal coat of arms stitched into the carriage's interior roof, according to Britannica. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

Opt for handcrafted wood, leather inlays, or sleek metal finishes that convey sophistication. —Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inlay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

inlay

1 of 2 verb

in·​lay (ˈ)in-ˈlā 

inlaid -ˈlād  ; inlaying

: to set into a surface for decoration or strengthening

inlayer noun

inlay

2 of 2 noun

in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā 

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 

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