1. decorative pieces of wood, metal, or other material set into a surface to form a design
2. dental fillings made of gold, porcelain, or composite material shaped to fit a tooth cavity
Usage: dental

1. third person singular present of inlay: to set pieces of material into a surface for decoration

Examples

• The antique table featured beautiful mother-of-pearl inlays.
• The guitar’s fretboard had decorative inlays at the third and fifth frets.
• The dentist recommended gold inlays for the damaged molars.
• She inlays precious stones into her handmade jewelry boxes.
• The craftsman inlays different types of wood to create intricate patterns.
• The floor had marble inlays that formed geometric designs.
• His dental inlays were barely visible when he smiled.