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

They can be purchased separately, or as part of the new Beginner’s Tasting Kit, which also includes Salmon Roe, White Sturgeon Caviar, crème fraîche, potato chips, a tin opener, and a mother-of-pearl spoon, all packaged in a beautiful blue case. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025

The Sweet Alhambra takes the design to the next level with a watch in the clover shape on a bracelet that repeats the pattern and comes decked out with diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and a guilloched 18-karat gold dial. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025

This pair displays elegant mother-of-pearl hearts set within platinum. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

The door panels feature mother-of-pearl surfaces that surround brass door handles painted in a silver-gold hue. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mother-of-pearl

• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl
• whirl
• whorl

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