ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈī-v(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

a

: the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (such as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal)

b

: a tusk that yields ivory

2

: a variable color averaging a pale yellow

3

slang : tooth

4

: something (such as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance

ivory adjective

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The History of Ivory

A hard white substance that is a variety of dentin, ivory makes up the tusks of such animals as elephants, walruses, and preserved mammoths. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and suitability for carving. In ancient times it was treasured as highly as gold and precious stones. Most ivory used commercially once came from Africa, but this trade declined in the 20th century as the populations of African elephants shrank, and increasing worldwide concern about endangered elephant populations led to bans on the export and import of ivory. The once-thriving markets of Europe have shifted to southeast Asia, where skilled artisans, often trading illegally, carve ivory into figurines and other objects.

Examples of ivory in a Sentence

a carved piece of ivory

Recent Examples on the Web

Taylor Swift walked red carpet sans Travis Kelce at 2024 Grammys At last year's Grammys, as rain poured down on Los Angeles, Swift stunned in a strapless ivory gown on the red carpet sans Kelce, who was prepping for Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Known as Bear — the ivory shaded Pyrenees — was brought to the Brown County Humane Society in Georgetown on Jan. 23, according to a Facebook post. —Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025

The first lady stepped out wearing a navy silk wool coat paired with a matching skirt and an ivory blouse made by American designer Adam Lippes. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025

There are also plenty of second-skin layers in ivory, chocolate brown or black with asymmetric zipper details, including a flirty short dresses, cropped T-shirts, bralettes and Capri leggings, technical nylon miniskirts and wide-leg pants. —Booth Moore, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-French ivoire, ivurie, from Latin eboreus of ivory, from ebor-, ebur ivory, from Egyptian ʾ̹b, ʾ̹bw elephant, ivory

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ivory

• ivory-billed woodpecker
• ivory black
• ivory nut
• ivory tower
• ivory-towered
• vegetable ivory

Kids Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

: the hard creamy-white substance of which the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant or walrus) are formed

2

: a pale whitish yellow

Medical Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant

ivory adjective