marquetry

noun

mar·​que·​try ˈmär-kə-trē How to pronounce marquetry (audio)
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

Illustration of marquetry
  • M marquetry

Examples of marquetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the kitchen, the designer even recreated the original marquetry wood floor, though there were also structural reasons for ripping up and replacing the parquet. Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 They are placed on the dial in an irregular pattern meant to represent formation of the Giant’s Causeway using marquetry, an artisan inlay technique. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Compression Next, a roller evenly distributes adhesive to a hardwood board for the marquetry to be pressed. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2024 The backgammon playing pieces—which are also used to play checkers—are encased in a gold-metal finish and fitted with a leather base to protect the marquetry surfaces. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for marquetry 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marquetry was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near marquetry

Cite this Entry

“Marquetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquetry. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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