veneer
Veneer (noun) means a thin decorative layer of a finer material, usually wood, glued over a cheaper surface underneath. Example: “The desk was made of plywood covered in an oak veneer.”
How to use veneer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin, attractive surface layer covering something plainer, used both for actual materials and, figuratively, for a fake outward impression.
Word forms
veneered past tense, veneers plural, veneers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The desk was made of plywood covered in an oak _____.
Etymology
From German Furnier, from furnieren ("to cover with veneer"), ultimately from Old Frankish frumjan ("to provide") — related to the English word "furnish".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for veneer
See all rhymes for veneer →Frequently asked questions
What does “veneer” mean?
The word “veneer” means a thin decorative layer of a finer material, usually wood, glued over a cheaper surface underneath. In plain terms, a thin, attractive surface layer covering something plainer, used both for actual materials and, figuratively, for a fake outward impression.
How do you pronounce “veneer”?
“Veneer” is pronounced vuh-NEER (/vəˈnɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “veneer” in a sentence?
Here is “veneer” used in a sentence: “The desk was made of plywood covered in an oak veneer.”
What part of speech is “veneer”?
Depending on how it is used, “veneer” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “veneer” come from?
The word “veneer” comes from German. From German Furnier, from furnieren ("to cover with veneer"), ultimately from Old Frankish frumjan ("to provide") — related to the English word "furnish".
How many meanings does “veneer” have?
“Veneer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin decorative layer of a finer material, usually wood, glued over a cheaper surface underneath.