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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This mother-of-pearl dial Day-Date in white gold with a French weekday wheel and baguette-diamond markers brings the kind of rarity that could only be understated in Dubai. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024 Collections are displayed in woven metal case lines with nickel and rose gold legs with mother-of-pearl inlay. Thomas Waller, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024 This Pumpkin Gold short pendant necklace in ivory mother-of-pearl, $65 by Kendra Scott is a charming seasonal take on the classic pendant style. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for mother-of-pearl 

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 2 Dec. 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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