lacquer

noun lac·quer \ ˈla-kər \

|Updated on: 23 Jun 2018

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)

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Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.

Recent Examples of lacquer from the Web

Despite Moulton openly proclaiming the fictional nature of the exhibition, there will be many who simply won’t get the memo, seeing only a glossy layer of ’80s black lacquer masking what’s underneath.

— andrea alonso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Fact and Fiction Collide Inside an Exhibit Inspired by a “Forgotten” L.A. Legend—and Beverly Hills Cop," 12 June 2018
There are long rows of picnic table seating, all benches and thick lacquer, every surface saloon brown and rubbed to a glossy patina over decades of dining.

— bret anthony johnston, Bon Appetit, "Panjo’s Pizza Parlor Is the Place That Time Forgot," 6 June 2018
Last night saw the supermodel stepping out for a party celebrating Dior's new Addict lip lacquer launch in Los Angeles in a look that paid visual homage to Brigitte Bardot.

— calin van paris, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Transforms Into Brigitte Bardot for a Night Out in Los Angeles," 15 Mar. 2018
Canada plans to hit up to $12.8 billion in products including U.S. steel, yogurt, hair lacquers, beer kegs and sailboats.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "Trump’s Steel Destruction," 31 May 2018
Bondi is a laminate with a lacquer layer that gives it its fingerprint resistance.

— jamie gold, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Milan sends its best — for kitchen and bath," 24 May 2018
Classic sunny footwear connoisseurs might pair J.Crew’s gingham slides with OPI’s fiery orange lacquer or Giuseppe Zanotti’s starry slides with a pale sky blue shade.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Spring’s Coolest Sandals—And Pedicure Shades to Match," 18 Apr. 2018
There, the boxes are hand-painted Russian lacquer miniature boxes depicting fairy tales.

— kadee krieger, NOLA.com, "Shotgun House Tour opens the doors to eclectic beauties in Algiers Point," 9 May 2018
With deep shades of red and black, the new color collection includes lipsticks, nail lacquers, eye shadows and face powders that perfectly capture Disney's Sleeping Beauty villain.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "MAC Finds Beauty in An Evil Villain," 1 May 2014

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.