lacquer

noun lac·quer \ ˈla-kər \

Updated on: 15 Apr 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)

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

Items on display include folding screens, sculptures, paintings and lacquer boxes plus several new pieces in tandem with Japanese works from the museum’s permanent collection.

— martina schimitschek, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Spring arts 2018: 10 things to watch in visual art this season," 25 Mar. 2018
Spray it with lacquer before placing it to keep it from rusting and staining the wall.

— neil sperry, San Antonio Express-News, "Dallisgrass a persistent, invasive weed that’s hard to deal with," 16 Mar. 2018
Whether today's nail lacquer, a pale blush hue that perfectly matched the newborn's jumper, will become a new signature for Jenner or not, one thing is clear: Genius marketing runs in the family.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Of Course Kylie Jenner and Baby Stormi Have Already Mastered Mommy-and-Me Beauty," 6 Feb. 2018
An antique jet-lacquer dresser from Howe’s childhood serves as a console.

— vanessa lawrence, ELLE Decor, "House Tour: A Contemporary L.A. Home That Won Over Two Native New Yorkers," 6 Feb. 2018
The quintessentially Western image is enhanced by a quintessentially Asian medium, lacquer.

— susan dunne, courant.com, "'Japan's Global Baroque' At Yale University Art Gallery," 7 Mar. 2018
Many fixtures are coated with a clear lacquer that will be damaged if subjected to harsh abrasive chemicals or scrubbing devices.

— stacy argo, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Care for your glass shower doors, enclosures," 22 Feb. 2018
Considering most of their lash lacquers normally retail for $23, getting them for $0 is a pretty sweet deal.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "MAC Cosmetics Will Give Away Free Mascara on National Lash Day," 16 Feb. 2018
Each one was painted in extremely expensive lacquer and was positioned to protect the emperor in the afterlife.

— charles e. f. millard, National Review, "China’s Strength Mustn’t Blind Us to Its Totalitarian Brutality," 15 Feb. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Duna applies both of these tactics to nearly every ingredient in its kola, lacquering layers of gently bitter brownness to a deep mahogany.

— ali bouzari, San Francisco Chronicle, "Housemade: The silent science behind three signature dishes at Duna," 12 Apr. 2018
His latest is about a foot tall and shaped like the African continent, a color photo of a lion lacquered over the surface.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Echo Yard, where normal prison rules no longer apply," 8 Apr. 2018
For someone who didn’t use a designer, there are a lot of decorator touches, like the green-lacquered bar.

— orli ben-dor, House Beautiful, "This Home on the Sunset Strip Is Filled with Hollywood Treasures," 20 Mar. 2018
Pair a pale purple mani with Dior's lacquered cuff, or a seafoam green pedicure with Givenchy's mint-and-blush ankle-strap sandals.

— jessica prince erlich, Harper's BAZAAR, "Luxe Lacquers," 29 May 2014
Roast chicken until skin is lacquered and deep mahogany over most of surface and juices run clear when thigh meat is pierced with a knife, 25–30 minutes.

— andy baraghani, Bon Appetit, "Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Buttery Pine Nuts," 19 Mar. 2018
The diner is being custom-built by a specialist in Georgia, and will be fitted with neon lights and lacquered bar stools.

— erin florio, Condé Nast Traveler, "Asbury Lanes Could Make the Jersey Shore a Year-Round Destination," 15 Mar. 2018
In the kitchen of New York apartment designed by Philip Gorrivan, iridescent mosaic tiles and a ceiling lacquered in Benjamin Moore's Oceanic Teal pick up a color from the wallpaper in the hallway.

— the editors at house beautiful, House Beautiful, "Top Pin of the Day: A Gleaming Kitchen," 1 Nov. 2013
Which means central Milan is sofa and kitchen heaven, from Boffi's gleaming lacquered cabinetry and sculptural bathtubs to De Padova's warm minimalism.

— elle decor staff, ELLE Decor, "ELLE DECOR Goes to Milan," 20 Sep. 2010