inlay

1 of 2

verb

inlaid (ˌ)in-ˈlād How to pronounce inlay (audio)
ˈin-ˌlād
; inlaying

transitive verb

1
a
: to set into a surface or ground material
b
: to adorn with insertions
c
: to insert (something, such as a color plate) into a mat or other reinforcement
2
: to rub, beat, or fuse (something, such as wire) into an incision in metal, wood, or stone
inlayer noun

inlay

2 of 2

noun

in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: inlaid work or a decorative inlaid pattern
2
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

Examples of inlay in a Sentence

Noun The cabinet doors are decorated with inlays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Beyond the memories, the only trace of the great man is La Casa — the rambling, Spanish-style home with a terracotta roof, stucco walls and inlaid ceramic tiles that Valenzuela built for his family during the exhilarating, and financially remunerative, days of Fernandomania. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 Photo : Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The walnut picnic tables are inlaid with a (fictional) map of Fort Knox in 22-carat gold. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
Photo : Gateway Bronco The interior’s Porsche-leather upholstery contrasts starkly with the futuristic carbon inlays. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 Bags are sanded with the same buffing pads used to finish cars; small details, like the inlays for the chain pendants to click into, call for dental tools. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inlay 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inlay was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near inlay

Cite this Entry

“Inlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlay. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inlay

1 of 2 verb
in·​lay (ˈ)in-ˈlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
inlaid -ˈlād How to pronounce inlay (audio) ; inlaying
: to set into a surface for decoration or strengthening
inlayer noun

inlay

2 of 2 noun
in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: inlaid work or material used in inlaying
2
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

Medical Definition

inlay

noun
in·​lay ˈin-ˌlā How to pronounce inlay (audio)
1
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place
2
: a piece of tissue (as bone) laid into the site of missing tissue to cover a defect
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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