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)
lacquered; lacquering
ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to coat with or as if with lacquer
2
: to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy
lacquered her hair
Examples of lacquer in a Sentence
Noun
Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The Swiss watchmaker released a new Polaris this month, with a handsome ocean gray dial that was handcrafted via a complex process involving 35 layers of lacquer, three different finishes, and meticulous polishing.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
Tom Blakely, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
The jury is still out on whether pork ribs lacquered in lemongrass barbecue sauce provide spiritual enlightenment, but the tender meat is a master class in balancing sweet and savory.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
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 this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The Swiss watchmaker released a new Polaris this month, with a handsome ocean gray dial that was handcrafted via a complex process involving 35 layers of lacquer, three different finishes, and meticulous polishing.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
Verb
National reporters and true crime junkies dug in, while local officials — already lacquered in scandal — looked so crooked a frame job seemed not just possible but probable.
—Tom Blakely, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
The jury is still out on whether pork ribs lacquered in lemongrass barbecue sauce provide spiritual enlightenment, but the tender meat is a master class in balancing sweet and savory.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
Cite this Entry
“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share