veneer

noun

ve·neer | \ və-ˈnir

Definition of veneer

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a thin sheet of a material: such as

a : a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood

b : any of the thin layers bonded together to form plywood

c : a plastic or porcelain coating bonded to the surface of a cosmetically imperfect tooth

2 : a protective or ornamental facing (as of brick or stone)

3 : a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, display, or effect : facade, gloss a veneer of tolerance

veneer

verb

veneered; veneering; veneers

Definition of veneer (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to overlay or plate (a surface, as of a common sort of wood) with a thin layer of finer wood for outer finish or decoration broadly : to face with a material giving a superior surface

2 : to cover over with a veneer especially : to conceal (something, such as a defect of character) under a superficial and deceptive attractiveness

Other Words from veneer Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about veneer

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Synonyms for veneer

Synonyms: Noun

facade (also façade), gloss, window dressing

Examples of veneer in a Sentence

Noun

a wall with a stone veneer a dresser with mahogany veneer

Verb

The cabinet was veneered in oak.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Monitor's View Beneath the veneer of stability 30 years after the Tiananmen massacre, Chinese society continues to be restless in ways the party cannot always control. — Christian Science Monitor, "Commentary," 7 June 2019 The table features slim, steel legs and a wood top clad in veneer cut from pieces of petrified wood, a fossilized material which is up to 225 million years old. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "This Table Is 100 Million Years Old," 10 Apr. 2019 In the anchor chair, his views are afforded a somewhat more polished veneer. — Glamour, "Tucker Carlson Said Furious Women Should Watch Him. Here’s What I See.," 19 Mar. 2019 Russian authorities walked a careful line Thursday between hard-line security measures and a veneer of tolerance. — Washington Post, "Russian hopes, fears tied up in Putin’s showcase World Cup," 14 June 2018 Brought up partly by his mother in Aquitaine, Richard had a veneer of the troubadour culture, but his chief interest was war. — Allan Massie, WSJ, "‘The Restless Kings’ Review: A Family at War With Itself," 11 Jan. 2019 Some have long histories as healing modalities over multiple cultures and thousands of years — which gives them a veneer of legitimacy. — Cheryl Wischhover, Vox, "Adaptogenic dusts, oils, and pills have a veneer of science, but there’s not much evidence to back them up.," 2 Nov. 2018 The kitchen isn’t original, but the update includes wood veneer and stainless steel European-style cabinets that compliment original architect’s vision. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Midcentury modern stunner asks $769K," 11 Sep. 2018 Restaurant interiors, no matter how committed to authenticity, still often seem to have a modern veneer and feel a touch like a theater showpiece. — Michael Nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "Want to be a Chicago dining expert? You must visit these 12 restaurants," 1 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

A stair leads to the spacious main level, with its Brazilian-walnut floors and open red-oak-veneered kitchen bracketed by the living room and dining room, both of which open onto ipe decks. — Aric Chen, ELLE Decor, "Building a Life Together," 31 Oct. 2008

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'veneer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for veneer

Noun

noun derivative of veneer entry 2, or borrowed directly from German (17th-century) furner, fornier (modern Furnier), noun derivative of fourniren, furniren "to apply thin strips of wood or other material (to cabinetwork, etc.)" — more at veneering

Verb

back-formation from veneering

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