lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər How to pronounce lacquer (audio)
Synonyms of lacquernext
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)

lacquer

2 of 2

verb

lacquered; lacquering ˈla-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lacquer (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to coat with or as if with lacquer
2
: to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy
lacquered her hair
lacquerer noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.
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.
Noun
Rolls-Royce artisans later sealed each piece beneath ten layers of lacquer before sanding and polishing the surfaces to the mirror-like finish expected of the brand. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 On display is a diversity of decorative and functional pieces, styles and materials — from the textile weaving by Lily Alcarez and Léa Berlier, and the lacquer technique of Nicolas Pinon, to the ceramic designs by Céline Salomon and the chair design from Atelier Monier. David Moin, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Verb
But scientists estimate that somewhere on the order of a billion kilograms of helium-3 are lacquered onto the lunar surface. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 The pieces of poultry are charred and lacquered to an almost midnight-black sheen. Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lacquer

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Portuguese lacré sealing wax, from laca lac, from Arabic lakk, from Persian lak — more at lac

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lacquer was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Lacquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacquer. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

lacquer

noun
lac·​quer
ˈlak-ər
: a material like varnish that dries quickly into a shiny layer (as on wood or metal)
lacquer verb

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