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

Reynolds foresees the base color palette trending towards ivory and wood tones then laying in color. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024

Both versions have the same thumbprint glass bottle design as OG You, reimagined in creamy ivory (Doux) and juicy berry (Rêve). —Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024

These are the Lewis chessmen and are chess pieces made of walrus ivory and found in Scotland on the Isle of Lewis. —Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024

Editor's note: My bag has a limited edition print that's no longer available, but the Mila is still available in classic black and ivory shades. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024

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