lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər 

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)

lacquer

2 of 2

verb

lacquered; lacquering 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

ˈla-kər-ər 

noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun

Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is celebrating the seminal design movement of the Roaring 1920s with a blockbuster exhibition that includes some 1,200 items ranging from lacquer screens to diamond brooches — and even a flying train. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

Stereo consoles in a woodgrain finish or a pastel-colored lacquer offer not only music but a nice furniture addition to a space. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

Verb

And, beliefs weren’t lacquered on the wall while the adults in the Center did the opposite. —Essence, 24 Oct. 2025

Combined with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange slices, bourbon forms a sticky, sweet glaze that beautifully lacquers the fish. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lacquer

• Japanese lacquer

Rhymes for lacquer

• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• packer
• slacker
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker
• attacker
• backpacker

Kids Definition

lacquer

noun

lac·​quer

ˈlak-ər

: a material like varnish that dries quickly into a shiny layer (as on wood or metal)

lacquer verb