tortoiseshell

1 of 2

noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2

or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

tortoiseshell

2 of 2

adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring

tortoiseshell glasses

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This one from Trask comes in unexpected colors like tortoiseshell and silver chrome. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024

Thanks to their shape and tortoiseshell pattern, these 100 percent UV-blocking shades won’t feel stale next season, despite fitting squarely into this year’s oversized aviator trend. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024

Adjective

For example, the luxe coat CBK is donning in this image is black, but her headband and sunglasses are tortoiseshell. —Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 17 Oct. 2022

The Telegraph reports: The tortoiseshell and white cat spends its days pacing from room to room, rarely spending any time with patients except those with just hours to live. —Smriti Rao, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoiseshell

• tortoiseshell butterfly

Kids Definition

tortoiseshell

1 of 2 noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: a spotted hornlike substance that covers the shell of some turtles and is used especially formerly to make ornamental objects

2

: any of several showy butterflies

tortoiseshell

2 of 2 adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in spotted brown and yellow coloring

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat that consists of patches of black, orange, and light yellow