Word
inlay
Phoneticsin·lay, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪnˌɫeɪ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a decorative pattern or piece of material that is set into the surface of an object. You usually see this on expensive furniture or musical instruments where wood, metal, or stone is fitted into a carved space.
n. a decorative pattern or design created by embedding pieces of contrasting material into a prepared surface. Often refers to the technique used in woodworking, jewellery, or dentistry to fill a recessed area.
Examples
“The old table has a beautiful silver inlay.”
“The craftsman spent weeks fitting the delicate pearl inlay into the neck of the custom guitar.”
“Restoration experts discovered that the original marble inlay had been covered by layers of cheap paint during a previous renovation in the nineteenth century.”
Examples
simple
“The old table has a beautiful silver inlay.”
contextual
“The craftsman spent weeks fitting the delicate pearl inlay into the neck of the custom guitar.”
complex
“Restoration experts discovered that the original marble inlay had been covered by layers of cheap paint during a previous renovation in the nineteenth century.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inlay” in context.
Verb
01. apply inlay
“The craftsman will apply the gold inlay once the wood has been carved.”
verb + noun
02. feature inlay
“Many traditional instruments feature inlay work along the neck.”
verb + noun
03. inlay depicts
“The central inlay depicts a scene from classical mythology.”
noun + verb
04. restore inlay
“Specialists were hired to restore the damaged ivory inlay on the antique desk.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. brass inlay
“The polished brass inlay caught the light beautifully against the dark oak.”
adj + noun
06. decorative inlay
“The artisan added a decorative inlay of silver to the guitar's fretboard.”
adj + noun
07. floral inlay
“The table is famous for its delicate floral inlay of mother-of-pearl.”
adj + noun
08. intricate inlay
“The cabinet features an intricate inlay made of rare tropical woods.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. pattern of inlay
“The geometric pattern of inlay gives the box a modern aesthetic.”
noun + prep + noun
10. piece of inlay
“A small piece of inlay had become loose and fallen out of the frame.”
noun + prep + noun
11. adorned with gold inlay
“The ceremonial sword was heavily adorned with gold inlay and precious gems.”
12. intricate mother-of-pearl inlay
“The jewelry box was famous for its intricate mother-of-pearl inlay.”
Usage
Countable when referring to a specific decorative piece; uncountable when referring to the technique or material in general.
Real-World Examples
“The first pendant features turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, gray diamonds, cabochon rubies, and a mother-of-pearl inlay.” “While pointing out pieces produced by the school, from a tissue box intricately decorated with metal inlay to gleaming katana swords that Osaikusho craftspeople transformed from lethal instruments to works of art, Murakami explains the Maeda's lasting impact.” “As a master of inlay—a method that entails cutting gemstones to fit seamlessly within metal channels—Raymond Yazzie produces elaborate designs featuring gems like coral, opal, and lapis lazuli set against turquoise.” “This creation serves as a mobile throne room, constructed from wood adorned with gold leaf inlays.” Etymology
From in- + lay.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inlay