lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər How to pronounce lacquer (audio)
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 How to pronounce lacquer (audio)

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 noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The newest variant has a turquoise-blue lacquer dial, contrasted with black subdials. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 Black lacquer furniture, Ingo Maurer light fixtures and a bar by French ceramics artists are the backdrop for the creative menu of chef Taku Mikuriya. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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 It’s lacquered up with BBQ sauce that leans slightly sweet. Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lacquer

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lacquer was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lacquer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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