marquetry

noun

mar·​que·​try ˈmär-kə-trē 

variants or less commonly marqueterie

: decorative work in which elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (such as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface (as of a piece of furniture)

Illustration of marquetry

• M marquetry

Examples of marquetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In April came Jewels on Wheels, a marquetry cart holding around 30 pieces that roams the Rosewood Amsterdam, followed this summer by a vintage Citroën HY turned traveling vitrine. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Design firm Deboss Collective filled each room with natural stones, warm woods, pops of green and handcrafted finishes, including details inspired by traditional Malay marquetry. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026

Among the standouts were draped striped poplin shirts, polos with contrasting trim and a coat in leather marquetry. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026

The designs will further incorporate such craft techniques as traditional leather marquetry and laser printing that transform Louis Vuitton’s iconic Capucines handbag into a wearable canvas. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French marqueterie, from marqueter to checker, inlay, from marque mark

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above