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

The original 1932 carriage will be decked out with rich velvets, floral marquetry, and dramatic curtains, creating an opulent feel that is perfectly in keeping with the old-world luxury of the Pullman. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026

There are many thoughtful touches—a handmade olive wood marquetry backgammon set by Greek company Manopoulos, a full shoe cleaning set, large format Ortigia toiletries plus instinctive and easy to use lighting, shower controls and curtain systems. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

After making your rounds at the market, visit the genuinely interesting Wood Museum, where exhibitions showcase Revel's marquetry and furniture-making heritage as well as contemporary pieces. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

Bailey’s marquetry portrait took more than 4 months to make, using 180 different pieces of veneer, according to Rolls-Royce. —Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above