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
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.
Not to be missed is the insane marquetry painting of Alison Elizabeth Taylor, in which different types of wood are arranged to look almost seamless. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 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 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 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on marquetry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!