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

With its clover-mimicking charms inlaid with a bright blue agate stone, Rojas not only added numbers to his excellent stats–a game-tying home run in the ninth kept the Dodgers alive–but also, his sartorial clout. —Nick Remsen, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2025

Silver bracelets of Queen Hetepheres inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian in a chest covered with gold leaf. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

Noun

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

Full Alcantara seats are another striking option, versus standard leather bolsters with Alcantara inlays. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 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