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
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
The sun and light glimmers and shines off this material and the entire interior looks, and feels, slick like a black lacquer has been applied throughout.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Mar. 2026
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
As for cost, polished brass usually falls mid-range on the pricing scale, with standard polished and lacquered finishes being easy to manufacture (and therefore more affordable than specialty finishes).
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
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Noun
Pastel Italian Bitossi vessels line a black-lacquer French Regency console, while vibrant works from French ceramicist Charles Catteau fill a display cabinet at the opposite end of the room.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
The sun and light glimmers and shines off this material and the entire interior looks, and feels, slick like a black lacquer has been applied throughout.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
The wallcovering inspired lacquered-celadon-green trim that echoes the branding of her jewelry line.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
As for cost, polished brass usually falls mid-range on the pricing scale, with standard polished and lacquered finishes being easy to manufacture (and therefore more affordable than specialty finishes).
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
Cite this Entry
“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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