ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈī-v(ə-)rē How to pronounce ivory (audio)
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
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.
Available in four colors — purple, blue, sage, and ivory — this dress’ A-line silhouette and floor-skimming length give it a formal yet feminine look similar to the HGTV star’s style. Averi Baudler, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The clever cupboard is made of natural wood with four adjustable shelves and is available in various grains, like dusty gray oak and ivory. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 Most of the pieces in the collection are neutral oak wood or ivory, with pops of rich colors like olive green and violet as accents. Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Wearing white, cream, or ivory to a wedding, however, remains strictly off limits. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ivory

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ivory was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ivory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivory. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ivory

noun
ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce ivory (audio)
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 How to pronounce ivory (audio)
plural ivories
: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant
ivory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ivory

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