inlay

[ verb in-ley, in-ley; noun in-ley ]

/ verb ˈɪnˌleɪ, ˌɪnˈleɪ; noun ˈɪnˌleɪ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: inlay / inlaid on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), in·laid, in·lay·ing.

to decorate (an object) with layers of fine materials set in its surface: to inlay a chest with lighter wood.

to insert or apply (layers of fine materials) in the surface of an object: to inlay marble in a tabletop.

Horticulture. to place (a fitted scion) into a prepared stock, as in a method of grafting.

noun

inlaid work.

a layer of fine material inserted in something else, especially for ornament.

a design or decoration made by inlaying.

Dentistry. a filling of metal, porcelain, or the like, that is first shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into it.

Horticulture. inlay graft.

the act or process of inlaying.

QUIZ

TEST YOUR MERIT ON THESE NEW WORDS IN 2021

The Dictionary added new words and definition to our vast collection, and we want to see how well-versed you are in the formally recognized new lingo. Take the quiz!

Question 1 of 8

What does JEDI stand for?

justice, equity, diversity, inclusion

justice, energy, determination, instruction

joy, equality, diversity, involvement

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of inlay

First recorded in 1590–1600; in-¹ + lay¹

OTHER WORDS FROM inlay

inlayer, noun

Words nearby inlay

Inland Revenue, Inland Sea, in large measure, inlaut, inlaw, inlay, inlay graft, in-lb, in league with, in left field, inlet

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use inlay in a sentence

Not only were the Britons expert in ordinary metal-work but they are believed to have invented the art of enamelled-inlay.
Archaic England|Harold Bayley
With illustrations and inlay cover picture by Harrison Fisher.
The Rose of Old St. Louis|Mary Dillon
This is actually done with the working drawing by the inlay cutter.
Line and Form (1900)|Walter Crane
Wheel-lock of blued steel, with gold and silver inlay, and wheel-guard of tracery in thin gold.
Armour in England|J. Starkie Gardner

The whole of the front lacks repose, a condition which is intensified by the black and white inlay of the flat surfaces.
Cathedral Cities of Italy|William Wiehe Collins

British Dictionary definitions for inlay

inlay

verb (ɪnˈleɪ) -lays, -laying or -laid (tr)

to decorate (an article, esp of furniture, or a surface) by inserting pieces of wood, ivory, etc, into prepared slots in the surface

noun (ˈɪnˌleɪ)

dentistry a filling, made of gold, porcelain, etc, inserted into a cavity and held in position by cement

decoration made by inlaying

an inlaid article, surface, etc

Derived forms of inlay

inlayer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for inlay

inlay

[ ĭn′lā′, ĭn-lā′ ]

A solid filling, as of gold or porcelain, fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.

A graft of bone, skin, or other tissue.

An orthomechanical device inserted into a shoe.

inlay

Origin of inlay

OTHER WORDS FROM inlay

Words nearby inlay

Words related to inlay

How to use inlay in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inlay

Derived forms of inlay

Medical definitions for inlay