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

Scarpelli Mosaici Scarpelli Mosaici is one of the few remaining workshops that still make mosaics and inlaid marble items the traditional way. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Their replacement — clearly marked control panels for lighting and electric curtains, now inlaid in the wall — are one of the modern comforts and conveniences Jouin and Manku discussed. — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Noun

Think wall paneling of cerused oak, bespoke doors with brass inlays, and designer lighting. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

Other standout design details include brass-inlay parquet flooring, double-sided fireplaces housed within transparent columns, and naturally scented cinnamon wood doors. — Dan Howarth, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026

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
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

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