noun
veneer
vuh-NEER
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
Word Forms
veneered past tense, veneers plural, veneers singular
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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".