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

Surfaces with gleaming mother-of-pearl finishes, white terracotta floors splashed with mocha and pink accents, and glitzy aquamarine headboards. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024

This Bulgari Bulgari chain bracelet in 18k rose gold is designed with mother-of-pearl and onyx on round disks that echo the shape of a classic round dress watch. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2024

While one room had been torched and its chandeliers were covered in ash, some of the others looked like they might have been robbed, although art remained on the walls and the mother-of-pearl inlay was still in the doors. —Richard Engel, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Gill played a 1958 Martin D-28 guitar once owned by George Jones, featuring mother-of-pearl inlays and Jones' name on the fingerboard. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 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