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
Brian Ng, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Around since the 1850s, tintype photography captures a still image on a thin metal plate coated with dark lacquer or enamel.
—Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
Pennoyer added gentle vaults to the sides of the entry gallery’s plastered ceiling, which Cathey then had lacquered, commissioning églomisé artist Miriam Ellner to decorate the glass panels of the central lantern.
—Andrew Sessa, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
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Noun
Also on show are art and design items that belonged to the Worth family, including a black lacquer screen by French Art Deco artist and designer Jean Dunand and a series of nude photographs of Worth’s great-grandson Jean-Charles taken by American visual artist Man Ray.
—Brian Ng, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Around since the 1850s, tintype photography captures a still image on a thin metal plate coated with dark lacquer or enamel.
—Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
The finish on the paneling had all but dissolved with age so the firm opted to lacquer the paneling in a lighter color for a cheerier atmosphere.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
Pennoyer added gentle vaults to the sides of the entry gallery’s plastered ceiling, which Cathey then had lacquered, commissioning églomisé artist Miriam Ellner to decorate the glass panels of the central lantern.
—Andrew Sessa, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 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 23 May. 2025.
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