marquetry

noun

mar·​que·​try ˈmär-kə-trē 

variants or less commonly marqueterie

: decorative work in which elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (such as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface (as of a piece of furniture)

Illustration of marquetry

• M marquetry

Examples of marquetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a stunning display of intricate marquetry, the design is assembled piece by piece of wood fabricated to resemble the grain and texture of endangered woods such as ebony, teak, wenge, rosewood and zebrawood. —Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 2 Dec. 2025

Oversized armchairs and tables gleamed in dark-toned woods with textured details, marquetry, and other flourishes. —Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 24 Nov. 2025

Each one was crafted using ground-breaking new techniques in 3-D ink layering, 3-D marquetry, and laser etching. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025

The bag is made of leather covered with gold leaf, with leather marquetry combining five different textures to render the blooms. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French marqueterie, from marqueter to checker, inlay, from marque mark

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above