mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl ˌmə-t͟hə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l 

: 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 bottle is crafted from crystal glass, with 30 facets representing the Japanese calendar months, and it’s adorned with traditional maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlays. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

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