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
Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Among the new items in the collection were the lacquered round table with a satin finish and a light brass bamboo-motif base, or the large Trocadero table featuring a delicate geometric motif obtained with brass filaments immersed in black lacquer.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 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
The hardwood featured the L.A. logo with the two basketballs — now alongside a large colorful flower, surrounded by what appears up close to be wavy lines of lacquer, but was actually the overprint of wood grain on top of wood grain.
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Among the new items in the collection were the lacquered round table with a satin finish and a light brass bamboo-motif base, or the large Trocadero table featuring a delicate geometric motif obtained with brass filaments immersed in black lacquer.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 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 2 May. 2025.
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