lacquer

1 of 2

noun

lac·​quer ˈla-kər 

1

a

: a spirit varnish (such as shellac)

b

: any of various durable natural varnishes

especially : a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (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 

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

ˈla-kər-ər 

noun

Examples of lacquer in a Sentence

Noun

Many coats of lacquer were applied to the table.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Two Cartier Crash models stand out for their unusual twists on an already unusual design (lot 98 has a burgundy lacquer dial, and lot 4 is a unique piece with green Roman numerals). —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 15 May 2024

The workshop upstairs hosts incense-making classes and kintsugi (repairing with gold lacquer) sessions led by a master craftsman. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing lacquer

• Japanese lacquer

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