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 Wynn side features gleaming marble floors inlaid with intricate Italian floral mosaics, while Encore is accented with butterfly motifs. —David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025

Defined by custom white oak millwork embellished with crystal Tiffany marble, Estremoz marble lined walls, and Pentelikon marble band and inlay with an oak herringbone floor, this space is reminiscent of recent Kith Women builds in Chicago and New York City. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

Noun

Horacio Pagani and the Pagani Arte team developed materials specifically for the two penthouses—light oak chevron parquet with metal inlays, slabs of travertine, and a swirling sculptural staircase that echoes the curves and metalwork found in the company’s cars. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2025

There’s direct elevator access to this generously sized apartment, and the living room has a wood-burning fireplace with the original mantel and perfect parquet floors with maple and walnut inlay. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 3 Nov. 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