mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl ˌmə-t͟hə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l How to pronounce mother-of-pearl (audio)
: the hard pearly iridescent substance forming the inner layer of a mollusk shell

Examples of mother-of-pearl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The dial is decorated with cloisonné enamel, combined with decorative elements in mother-of-pearl and purple BlueGold—21ct gold mixed with iron elements and heat-treated to a radiant shade of blue, or in this case pink-purple. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024 Traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer have been used to create a bottle that is another aspect of this work of art. Mark Littler, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 These mother-of-pearl inlays create a luxurious shimmer, adding a unique and elegant touch to the fan’s design. New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024 At the same time, hundreds of tiny stars are fashioned from mother-of-pearl, abalone, brass, copper, and silver to be inlaid in the wood. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mother-of-pearl 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mother-of-pearl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mother-of-pearl was circa 1510

Dictionary Entries Near mother-of-pearl

Cite this Entry

“Mother-of-pearl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-of-pearl. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mother-of-pearl

noun
moth·​er-of-pearl
ˌmət͟h-ə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l
: the hard pearly material that lines the shell of some mollusks (as mussels) and is often used for ornamental objects and buttons

More from Merriam-Webster on mother-of-pearl

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