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
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026
These wooden utensils are coated in a clear lacquer that protects them and adds a beautiful shine.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
In Houston tastemaker Natalie Steen's formal living room (lacquered in Benjamin Moore's Milk Shake, 1165), her love of color reigns supreme, from the chartreuse Christopher Moore print throw pillows to the cerulean piping on the emerald chairs.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lacquer
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Noun
For TaeHyun Lee, that tradition translated into his use of lacquer, which is represented on the paddle shifters and the brake calipers.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026
These wooden utensils are coated in a clear lacquer that protects them and adds a beautiful shine.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Perhaps the sultry, shimmery amber tone they're lacquered in.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
In Houston tastemaker Natalie Steen's formal living room (lacquered in Benjamin Moore's Milk Shake, 1165), her love of color reigns supreme, from the chartreuse Christopher Moore print throw pillows to the cerulean piping on the emerald chairs.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 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 27 Jan. 2026.
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