inlay

American  

[in-ley, in-ley, in-ley] / ˈɪnˌleɪ, ˌɪnˈleɪ, ˈɪnˌleɪ /

verb (used with object)

inlaid, inlaying

1. to decorate (an object) with layers of fine materials set in its surface.

   to inlay a chest with lighter wood.

2. to insert or apply (layers of fine materials) in the surface of an object.

   to inlay marble in a tabletop.

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

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noun

1. inlaid work.

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

3. a design or decoration made by inlaying.

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

5. Horticulture. inlay graft.

6. the act or process of inlaying.

inlay British  

verb

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

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noun

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

2. decoration made by inlaying

3. an inlaid article, surface, etc

Other Word Forms

• inlayer noun

Etymology

Origin of inlay

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

Example Sentences

She’s offset the building’s cement with a childhood baby grand piano and her grandmother’s lacquer vanity with pearl inlay.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

The chrysanthemum leaves, the chartreuse of the teapot inlay and the antique bronze are different shades of green — but all come from malachite.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2023

Her nods to the Navajo culture include a turquoise inlay and a depiction of eagle feathers, which are used to give blessings.

From Washington Times • Mar. 24, 2023

The state bed later suffered damage in a fire and a new one was built in 1859 measuring 6ft long and 12ft high, made of walnut with gilt inlay.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2023

Even in the dim light, Archer recognized the weapon: all black, with engravings of scales and dull gold inlay.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

Related Words

• decorate