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

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 To support Crews, however, a man forsaking the comfortable façade of patriarchal force for a revealing vulnerability, would be to admit complicity in valuing the masculine veneer. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "Terry Crews and the Discomfort of Masculine Anxiety," 29 June 2018 Other directors took strong advantage of her ethereal allure, which made her ideal for roles that stripped away the veneer of civilized behavior. — Adam Bernstein, Washington Post, "Stéphane Audran, acclaimed French actress of fire and ice, dies at 85," 27 Mar. 2018 But the series is ultimately less concerned with the mystery, which accordingly turns out to be less complicated than its veneer would suggest, and more with the characters working through it. — Karen Han, Vox, "Homecoming, starring Julia Roberts, is simpler than it appears — and a pleasure to watch," 2 Nov. 2018 As with any cultural icon, beneath the shining veneer must lie untold stories, apocryphal or otherwise. — Yunte Huang, WSJ, "‘The Banished Immortal’ Review: ‘Heaven Begot a Talent Like Me’," 11 Jan. 2019

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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