noun
veneer
vuh-NEER
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.”
noun
1
A thin decorative layer of a finer material, usually wood, glued over a cheaper surface underneath.
"The desk was made of plywood covered in an oak veneer."
2
A surface appearance that hides someone's true character or feelings underneath.
"Beneath his charming veneer, he was deeply insecure."
"The company kept up a veneer of transparency while hiding the real numbers."
verb
1
To apply a thin decorative covering to a surface.
"The cabinetmaker veneered the table top with walnut."
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.
Common pairings
a veneer of respectability
wood veneer
thin veneer
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Word forms
- Plural
- veneers
- Third person singular
- veneers
- Past tense
- veneered
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
View more →Related words
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.
