tortoiseshell

1 of 2

noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel How to pronounce tortoiseshell (audio)
-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
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.
Noun
Holmes’s voluminous trousers, with the requisite oversized extra pockets, elevated the style thanks to the linen fabric as well as the tortoiseshell D-ring belt. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2025 The model also accessorized with a pair of oval tortoiseshell sunglasses. Hannah Malach, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
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 See All Example Sentences for tortoiseshell

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tortoiseshell was in 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Tortoiseshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortoiseshell. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tortoiseshell

1 of 2 noun
tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel How to pronounce tortoiseshell (audio)
-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

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