1
a
: a spirit varnish (such as shellac)
b
: any of various durable natural varnishes
especially
: a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (Toxicodendron vernicifluum synonym Rhus verniciflua)
called also Japanese lacquer
2
: any of various clear or colored synthetic organic coatings that typically dry to form a film by evaporation of the solvent
especially
: a solution of a cellulose derivative (such as nitrocellulose)
lacquered; lacquering
ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to coat with or as if with lacquer
2
: to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy
lacquered her hair
Examples of lacquer in a Sentence
Noun
Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Winsor, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Wood was used for the parquet flooring and kitchen cabinets, polished concrete for the bathroom, and white lacquer for a large wood installation.
—Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2024
Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024
Combined with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange slices, bourbon forms a sticky, sweet glaze that beautifully lacquers the fish.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lacquer 
Noun
When a product fails or a market strategy doesn’t pan out, view it as an opportunity for visible improvement and innovation.
Repair with Value
In Kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, making the piece more valuable.
—John Winsor, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Wood was used for the parquet flooring and kitchen cabinets, polished concrete for the bathroom, and white lacquer for a large wood installation.
—Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2024
Verb
Key furniture pieces are curved and lacquered in a deep, burgundy shade, a key color of the season.
—Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024
Combined with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange slices, bourbon forms a sticky, sweet glaze that beautifully lacquers the fish.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lacquer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lacquer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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