veneer
/vəˈnɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [vənˈɪr] /vəˈnɪr/ (ame, ipa) · [vənˈɪr] /və-ˈnir How to pronounce veneer (audio)/ (ame, mw)
veneer — noun
- veneersingular
- veneersplural
1. a thin decorative sheet of fine wood, plastic, or similar material bonded to a c
a thin decorative sheet of fine wood, plastic, or similar material bonded to a cheaper base material — used especially on furniture to create an expensive-looking finish
Ignacio chose a walnut veneer for the dining table because solid walnut was far too expensive.
noun + of + material (walnut veneer)
The old cabinet looked plain until Emre peeled away the paint and found a beautiful rosewood veneer underneath.
rosewood veneer — specifying wood type
Cheaper furniture often uses a thin oak veneer over medium-density fibreboard to keep costs down.
After twenty years of use the veneer on the desk had started to peel away from the edges.
The bookshelf has a mahogany veneer that gives the piece a rich, warm colour.
文法句型
veneer + of + material
adjective + veneer
用法筆記
When veneer is used as a countable noun (a veneer / veneers), it refers to a specific layer or type of covering. As an uncountable noun, it refers to the material in general (e.g., 'The doors are finished in oak veneer.').
常見錯誤
2. an outward show that is pleasant or impressive but conceals a less desirable rea
an outward show that is pleasant or impressive but conceals a less desirable reality about someone or something
Behind her cheerful veneer, Aunt Rosa was carrying a heavy burden of worry that she never showed anyone.
behind + possessive + veneer — common frame for metaphorical use
The company projected a polished veneer of success, but Tunde knew the accounts were in terrible shape.
veneer + of + [abstract noun] (success, confidence, respectability)
His rough manner of speaking hid a warm and generous nature beneath a tough outer veneer.
The peace agreement was nothing more than a thin veneer covering months of unresolved conflict.
Tamar could see through the polite veneer of her colleague's apology to the resentment underneath.
文法句型
veneer + of + noun
adjective/noun + veneer
用法筆記
This is the most common sense in everyday language. It almost always carries a negative connotation — the hidden reality is undesirable, and the outer appearance is deliberately or habitually misleading. Distinguish from sense 1: here the 'covering' is abstract (behaviour, reputation, expression), not a physical material.
常見錯誤
3. a wafer-thin porcelain, ceramic, or composite shell bonded over a tooth's visibl
a wafer-thin porcelain, ceramic, or composite shell bonded over a tooth's visible face to correct its colour, shape, or alignment
Jenna got porcelain veneers on her front teeth to fix the chips and discolouration from years of drinking coffee.
get/have + veneers — common patient-side phrasing
The dentist showed Otis how a single veneer could close the small gap between his two upper front teeth.
a single veneer — emphasises countable use
After the cycling accident, a composite veneer restored the shape and colour of Stephanie's chipped incisor.
Some people choose veneers purely for cosmetic reasons, while others need them to protect a damaged tooth.
文法句型
[get/have] + veneer(s)
porcelain/ceramic/ composite + veneer
用法筆記
In dentistry, veneer is always a countable noun (a veneer / two veneers). It is most commonly used in the plural because patients typically have several teeth treated at once. Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense has no negative connotation — it is a standard cosmetic dental procedure.
常見錯誤
4. a thin outer layer of brick, stone, concrete, or other material applied to the s
a thin outer layer of brick, stone, concrete, or other material applied to the surface of a building wall for protection against weather or for visual effect
The old brick building was transformed when a limestone veneer was added to the front entrance.
[stone type] + veneer + was added — passive construction common in architecture
Architects often specify a thin granite veneer on concrete walls to give a new structure a natural, elegant look.
thin + [stone] + veneer + on + [base material]
The house appeared to be timber-framed, but the beams were actually a lightweight stone veneer attached to the exterior wall.
A brick veneer is cheaper than a full brick wall and still provides good insulation and a traditional appearance.
文法句型
[stone/brick/granite] + veneer
veneer + wall/facade
用法筆記
In architecture and construction, veneer is distinct from cladding or siding. A veneer is typically thin and bonded or attached closely to the structural wall, rather than suspended on a frame. This sense is mainly technical and appears in contexts like construction specs, renovation articles, and architectural plans.
veneer — verb
- veneerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- veneers3rd person singular
- veneering-ing form
- veneeredpast simple
1. to apply a thin outer sheet of attractive material — such as quality wood, plast
to apply a thin outer sheet of attractive material — such as quality wood, plastic, or stone — onto the surface of something to give it a better appearance
The carpenter carefully veneered the cabinet doors with strips of cherry wood.
veneer + [object] + with + [material] — active construction
Instead of buying expensive solid teak furniture, Min decided to veneer the cheaper pine surfaces herself.
veneer + [object] — direct object only
The entrance hall was veneered with polished marble panels to create a sense of luxury.
The interior designer veneered the entire living room wall with bamboo planks for a warm, modern feel.
- strip
to remove the outer layer from a surface
文法句型
veneer + [object] + with/in + [material]
be veneered with/in + [material]
用法筆記
The verb form is much less common than the noun. It appears most often in woodworking, interior design, and renovation contexts. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'covered with a veneer' than use the verb directly. The passive form ('is veneered') is more frequent than the active.