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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Original gold clocks, marquetry cabinets, and full-size copies of the two Velásquez paintings that previously belonged to the palacio (but are now in the Prado) harken back to the building’s past. Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026 Since Mizell is a graphic artist by trade, technology plays a central role in his marquetry. Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Today, Kober enjoys volunteering at his local community center, as well as making marquetry bookmarks and Viking chess boards. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 After making your rounds at the market, visit the genuinely interesting Wood Museum, where exhibitions showcase Revel's marquetry and furniture-making heritage as well as contemporary pieces. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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