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
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Design and Accommodations With glossy lacquered wood, intricate marquetry, sumptuous fabrics, and lamps by Lalique and Baccarat, the VSOE exudes Jazz Age glamour. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025 Other details in the home include moldings, marquetry, an original staircase, three gas fireplaces, murals and stained glass. Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 The terrace living area’s floor lamp, straw marquetry tables, and rattan armchair are all Biltgen designs, and the sofa is by Roda. Ian Phillips, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025 The second floor, featuring a geometric marquetry of wood, marble and brass on the floor and walls, has a handwoven carpet made from reed and leather from Morocco juxtaposed with 1940s furniture by French architect and designer Pierre Chapo. Lily Templeton, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Marquetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquetry. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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