What does veneer mean?
Word: Veneer
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Veneer means a thin layer of fine wood or other material glued over a cheaper surface. It can also mean a pleasant outward show that hides real feelings.
Synonyms: coating, facing
Word origin: Came into English from German furnieren, from French fournir.
How do you spell veneer?
Syllables: ve - neer
Tricky part: The ending is spelt eer. Pupils hear the sound and reach for ear or ier instead.
Watch out for: venear, venier
Memory tip: Think of two thin sheets glued one on the other: they are the two e letters that sit side by side before the r.
Veneer in a sentence
Example 1: The veneer on the old desk had started to lift at the corners.
Example 2: His veneer of confidence slipped when the quiz master called his name.
Example 3: Furniture makers use veneer to show off beautiful grain without using a whole expensive log.
Fun Fact
Veneer is far older than modern furniture factories: craftsmen in ancient Egypt were gluing thin slices of fine wood onto plainer boards more than 3,000 years ago.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
v_neer
a) e
b) i
c) a
d) u
Show answer
a) e. The opening vowel is weak in speech, so this is a spelling you learn by sight.
Word Tally
How many words are misspelt in the given sentence?
Under the polish, the veneer on the sideboard had a beautiful pattern of rings and swirls that no paint could copy.
a) 0
b) 1
c) 3
d) 2
Show answer
a) 0. Read it slowly: every word in this sentence is spelt correctly.
Sound Check
Which word does not rhyme with veneer?
a) sincere
b) career
c) appear
d) pear
Show answer
d) pear. Pear rhymes with air; the other three end like ear.
Spell Probe
One word in the sentence is misspelt. Choose the meaning of that word:
A thin teak veneer gave the plain cabinet an elegent look that impressed every visitor.
a) to make someone admire you
b) a cupboard with shelves or drawers
c) attractive and showing good style
d) a thin top layer on furniture
Show answer
c) attractive and showing good style. The misspelt word is elegant, which takes an a before the nt.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. 'Beneath her veneer of calm, Tara was counting the seconds until the results.' How did Tara really feel?
a) nervous and impatient
b) relaxed and sleepy
c) amused and cheerful
d) bored and unconcerned
Show answer
a) nervous and impatient
2. A table has a walnut veneer. What is likely to be true of it?
a) It was carved from one walnut trunk.
b) Walnut oil was rubbed into its legs.
c) Walnut shows only on the surface.
d) It is solid walnut all the way through.
Show answer
c) Walnut shows only on the surface.
