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

Original oak panelling, bespoke cabinetry, and subtle marquetry nod to Russell’s meticulous eye, while recent updates bring all the comforts of modern living without losing any of the house’s historic charm. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025

Guests are welcomed into a leather goods salon finished in creamy whites, where women’s spaces feature constellation parquet flooring and straw marquetry details, while the men’s accessories and ready-to-wear are set against classic Versailles parquet. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025

Details including carpet patterns, ceiling features, marquetry and inlay details will pay homage to the Ambassador’s seasonal residence, aslong with original artwork from Punjabi artists. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above