lacquer

play

noun lac·quer \ ˈla-kər \

Definition of lacquer

1 a :a spirit varnish (such as shellac)

b :any of various durable natural varnishes; especially :a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (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)

See lacquer defined for English-language learners

See lacquer defined for kids

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.

Recent Examples of lacquer from the Web

If properly prepared, the chicken has been cooked slowly, so that the skin is crispy and develops a shiny lacquer. *

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Pick up a rotisserie chicken: Make dinner in a snap," 22 Aug. 2017
With brush application as smooth as butter (pun intended) and color as bright as your favorite sundress, this long-wearing lacquer is the gift that keeps on giving.

— vanity fair, Vanities, "The Sweetest Nail-Polish Colors of Summer 2017," 17 Aug. 2017
With brush application as smooth as butter (pun intended) and color as bright as your favorite sundress, this long-wearing lacquer is the gift that keeps on giving.

— vanityfair.com, "The Sweetest Nail-Polish Colors of Summer 2017," 17 Aug. 2017
According to M.A.C., the next Viva Glam line will contain a gorgeous copper-y brown lipstick and a corresponding lacquer-like lipglass in a iridescent a gold pearl hue.

— de elizabeth, Allure, "M.A.C.'s Taraji P. Henson Viva Glam 2 Collection Is Launching Next Month," 17 Aug. 2017
Shay's style is super glamorous with lots of velvet, metal accents, black lacquer, and bold colors.

— melissa minton, Glamour, "FYI, Shay Mitchell Is Selling a Bunch of Her Own Stuff Online Right Now," 29 June 2017
Shay's style is super glamorous with lots of velvet, metal accents, black lacquer, and bold colors.

— melissa minton, Teen Vogue, "Shay Mitchell Is Selling Her Furniture Online," 29 June 2017
The brand new lacquer-like formula drops June 15, along with all other things that are good and pure in the world (read: Kylie Jenner's new Vacation-themed makeup vault).

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "Too Faced Turned Their Holographic Unicorn Tears Lip Color Into A Liquid Lipstick," 13 June 2017
Londontown: Nontoxic Nail Repair Londontown’s formula proves that dangerous ingredients aren’t a requirement for a long-lasting lacquer.

— jessica prince erlich, The Cut, "7 Long-Lasting Polishes That Won’t Chip or Destroy Your Nails," 5 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lacquer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lacquer

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1592

See Words from the same year

lacquer

verb

Definition of lacquer

lacquered; lacquering play \ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ\

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

play \ˈla-kər-ər\ noun

Recent Examples of lacquer from the Web

RELATED PHOTOS: Exactly What Beauty Products To Nab at Nordstrom’s Epic Anniversary Sale Her nails, which are basically the co-stars to her patent leather lips, were lacquered up by manicurist Tom Bachik, who used OPI’s nude Feeling Frisco shade.

— marianne mychaskiw, PEOPLE.com, "This Is the Lipgloss Selena Gomez Wore in Her 'Fetish' Video," 14 July 2017
The concept gets an upgrade at Resource Furniture, where lacquered desktops fold (or bookcases rotate) to magically reveal a bed.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017
Mr. Nigro’s ziggurat-like vases come apart to accommodate lacquering inside and out.

— tim gavan, WSJ, "Modern Design Objects With a Finish as Old as Confucius," 31 May 2017
Those New York City spaces, F.Y.I., are not for the faint of heart, with black walls, red floors and lacquered furniture.

— alexander fury, New York Times, "The Technicolor World of Anna Sui," 11 May 2017
Grill ribs, basting with 1 cup of the Cheerwine sauce and turning frequently, until lightly charred and lacquered, 10 to 15 minutes.

— marian cooper cairns, Country Living, "Sweet Heat Cheerwine Baby Back Ribs," 11 May 2017
Constructed in 1565 as the royal family’s personal chapel, the Buddhist temple is adorned with wood and stone figures, and its lacquered door features intricate Hindu carvings.

— maridel reyes, Bloomberg.com, "Six Vacations to Solve All Your Problems," 10 May 2017
The A’s have definitely lacquered on the hometown vibe, celebrating and fostering this unique crop.

— marcus thompson ii, The Mercury News, "A’s fans a fascinating bunch, no matter what happens on the field," 4 Apr. 2017
Listen to how this bit of hyperbole contrasts with the tone that coats it, lacquered to a smooth, hard sheen.

— alexandra schwartz, The New Yorker, "Katie Kitamura’s War on Affect," 6 Feb. 2017