inlay
verb
in·lay
| \ (ˌ)in-ˈlā
, ˈin-ˌlā
\
, ˈin-ˌlā
\
inlaid\ (ˌ)in-ˈlād
, ˈin-ˌlād \;
inlaying
, ˈin-ˌlād \;
inlaying
Definition of inlay
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: to set into a surface or ground material
b
: to adorn with insertions
c
: to insert (something, such as a color plate) into a mat or other reinforcement
2
: to rub, beat, or fuse (something, such as wire) into an incision in metal, wood, or stone
inlay
noun
in·lay
| \ ˈin-ˌlā
\
\
Definition of inlay (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: inlaid work or a decorative inlaid pattern
2
: a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place
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Examples of inlay in a Sentence
Noun
The cabinet doors are decorated with inlays.Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Dover sole is presented with the solemnity of a religious rite, arriving via cart on a silver pan, filleted tableside and served with lobster sauce and hazelnuts alongside a crispy disk of black rice inlaid with edamame. — Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Triple-threat dining: Aboyer and Silencieux join George Trois for a Winnetka trifecta," 5 Aug. 2019 This dining room, the den and the library all have wood floors with designs inlaid around the perimeters. — Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, "1925 Royal Oak Tudor with servants quarters has been restored to perfection," 27 July 2019 One of the most interesting interior aspects is what's inlaid in the hexagon tile floor. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "New Buddy's Pizza in Plymouth comes with a slight twist," 9 July 2019 There’s a laughing Buddha statue with four Caruso children climbing on it, a wind vane with the kids’ initials, and a favorite quote from each child inlaid in brass on the stone veranda. — Christina Binkley, latimes.com, "The Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito opens with a splash," 10 June 2019 The same was true of the Golden Lyre of Ur, a 4,500-year-old musical instrument inlaid with gold, silver and carnelian. — Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times, "In Iraq Museum, There Are Things ‘That Are Nowhere Else in the World’," 9 June 2019 Two ornamental copper discs inlaid with garnets rivetted the yoke to the arm. — Roff Smith, National Geographic, "New research questions famed burial of ‘first’ Christian Anglo-Saxon king," 8 May 2019 The water basin itself is inlaid with butterfly mosaics, while the surrounding glass walls and floors feature pill decals. — Christina Liao, Vogue, "Inside the World’s Most Expensive Hotel Suite, Designed by Damien Hirst," 1 Mar. 2019 Far from being lost in meditation, the figure’s expression is alert and its gaze direct, its eyes perhaps once inlaid with rock crystal or gemstones. — Lee Lawrence, WSJ, "‘The Jeweled Isle: Art From Sri Lanka’ Review: Reclaiming a Country’s Creative History," 1 Jan. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Details including brass inlay in the natural oak herringbone floors, which run the length of the hallway, signify another important marker in creating a natural flow. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Inside an Unconventionally Glam Family Home in Chicago’s Historic Palmolive Building," 30 Apr. 2019 Medlock Bridge’s condition is deteriorating, and plans call for milling, inlay and resurfacing about 5.4 miles of the road in North Fulton County, GDOT said. — David Ibata, ajc, "GDOT alerts Johns Creek to Medlock Bridge repaving," 21 June 2019 The elegant rotunda entry behind the leaded glass paneled front door features a limestone floor with a decorative medallion inlay bordered by marble accents. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Hilltop location with panoramic views in Dublin," 18 June 2019 For example, the YMCA’s former basketball court with elevated running track has been converted into a 3,500-square-foot grand ballroom, featuring original brick wall inlays and hardwood floors. — Robert Benson/donny Cotten Photography, San Diego Union-Tribune, "$80M luxury hotel opens — in former downtown San Diego YMCA," 11 June 2019 Each Envy Wood Series laptop features authentic wood inlay in the keyboard deck, including the touchpad surface. — Melissa Riofrio, PCWorld, "The HP Envy Wood Series puts real walnut or birch in five stylish laptops," 28 May 2019 Robert is internationally known for his woodworking, silver-smiting and inlay and lamination work. — Anchorage Daily News, "Here is what you can expect for First Friday this week," 6 June 2019 This machine allows the staff to perform a number of procedures, including crowns, veneers and inlays, in one visit rather than several. — Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "RB dental office focuses on preventative care," 6 June 2019 Her desk was an antique directoire with leather inlays, her wardrobe perfectly suited to it. — Town & Country, "Mary Boone Is Taking a Break," 18 Apr. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inlay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for inlay
inlay
verb
English Language Learners Definition of inlay
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to set pieces of wood, metal, etc., into the surface of (something) for decoration
inlay
noun
English Language Learners Definition of inlay (Entry 2 of 2)
: material that is set into the surface of something for decoration : inlaid material
See the full definition for inlay in the English Language Learners Dictionary
inlay
verb
in·lay
| \ ˈin-ˈlā
\
\
inlaid\ -ˈlād \;
inlaying
Kids Definition of inlay
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to set into a surface for decoration or strengthening
inlay
noun
in·lay
| \ ˈin-ˌlā
\
\
Kids Definition of inlay (Entry 2 of 2)
: inlaid work : material used in inlaying