veneer

noun

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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

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 reasons, Russian analysts say, are to undermine Mr. Navalny, distract from his movement and divide the liberal opposition — all while providing a veneer of multiparty politics in a country where there is little meaningful electoral choice. — New York Times, "Looking for Something New in Russia’s ‘New People’ Party," 23 Feb. 2021 The law was written to protect all monuments older than 20 years, giving it a veneer of neutrality, but nobody ever saw a need for it until cities started scrapping their Confederate lawn ornaments. — al, "Tuscaloosa named street for slain officer. Lawmaker would rename it for Nick Saban.," 19 Feb. 2021 Hollein was likely meant to lend a veneer of director credibility to the appalling plan. — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: While the Met contemplates selling its treasured art, rich trustees sit idle," 14 Feb. 2021 Not out of the realm of possibility is a third option — having even one or two Republicans sign on to the bigger bill, giving it a veneer of bipartisanship. — Alexandra Jaffe And Jonathan Lemire, Anchorage Daily News, "Biden’s dilemma in virus aid fight: Go big or go bipartisan," 7 Feb. 2021 But the real show came to the table with a 32-ounce tomahawk rib-eye glistening with compound butter ($99) and with a decadent fat-to-lean ratio and juice that seemed unlikely under the seasoned veneer of its high-temperature sear. — Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "5 great surf-and-turf, steak and lobster combos at San Antonio restaurants for Valentine's Day: Rebelle, Silo Prime, Bohanan's, J-Prime, Signature," 4 Feb. 2021 Under the veneer of one country, another country altogether. — James Parker, The Atlantic, "The Singular Achievement of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," 14 Dec. 2020 And the vast majority of stone veneer is not installed properly. — Reuben Saltzman, Star Tribune, "Stone veneer, major failures," 17 Nov. 2020 Apply 2-inch-wide red-oak veneer tape to the ends first, and then tape the front edge. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "Build This Rolling Cabinet for Extra Functional Storage," 26 Sep. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The photo below shows a common deviation, where the masonry veneer actually touches the shingles. — Reuben Saltzman, Star Tribune, "Stone Siding Installation Defects," 10 Nov. 2020 And if Psyche does have a rocky mantle, ferrovolcanic seeps could have veneered it with metal from the asteroid’s core. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Heavy-metal space volcanoes may have forged gem-studded meteorites," 18 Sep. 2019 Some sported muscle sheaths that swell when exposed to ethanol vapor; others were veneered with a material that shrinks when soaked in a glucose solution. — Sid Perkins, Scientific American, "A New Twist on Artificial Muscles," 11 July 2019 Some sported muscle sheaths that swell when exposed to ethanol vapor; others were veneered with a material that shrinks when soaked in a glucose solution. — Sid Perkins, Scientific American, "A New Twist on Artificial Muscles," 11 July 2019 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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