lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər How to pronounce lacquer (audio)
1
a
: a spirit varnish (such as shellac)
b
: any of various durable natural varnishes
especially : a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (Toxicodendron vernicifluum synonym Rhus verniciflua)

called also Japanese lacquer

2
: any of various clear or colored synthetic organic coatings that typically dry to form a film by evaporation of the solvent
especially : a solution of a cellulose derivative (such as nitrocellulose)

lacquer

2 of 2

verb

lacquered; lacquering ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lacquer (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to coat with or as if with lacquer
2
: to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy
lacquered her hair
lacquerer noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In traditional spaces, use lacquer to highlight details common to the style. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 These include ragweed, certain types of perfume, nail lacquer vapor, and insecticide spray. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
The chicken wings could be the best of the bunch, with crisp skin lacquered in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Key furniture pieces are curved and lacquered in a deep, burgundy shade, a key color of the season. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lacquer 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Portuguese lacré sealing wax, from laca lac, from Arabic lakk, from Persian lak — more at lac

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lacquer was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near lacquer

Cite this Entry

“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lacquer

noun
lac·​quer
ˈlak-ər
: a material like varnish that dries quickly into a shiny layer (as on wood or metal)
lacquer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on lacquer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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