pearlescent

adjective

pearl·​es·​cent ˌpər-ˈle-sᵊnt How to pronounce pearlescent (audio)
: having a pearly luster
a pearlescent lacquer
pearlescence noun

Examples of pearlescent in a Sentence

the sedan comes in an array of colors, with either a metallic or pearlescent finish
Recent Examples on the Web Expect a cerulean and chrome color pallet accented by mercurial mirrors, pops of coral, and brass with surfaces lined in gray wood veneer, pearlescent shagreen, and Arabescato marble, conferring a feminine yet art deco aesthetic. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024 This lightweight sunscreen effortlessly blends into all skin tones and leaves a subtle pearlescent finish—originally available in just one champagne shade called Sunrise, we're now blessed with a suite of four shades after Pink Pearl, Bronze, and Deep Bronze joined the sun-protection party. Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 2024 To see the Sasquatch crew tramping across a ridge, outlined against a pearlescent sky, is to grasp the fragility of their existence, and of ours. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024 Every shade has a pearlescent, subtly shimmery finish that creates a brightening, radiance-boosting effect all skin types (including those with mature or dry qualities) can benefit from. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Apr. 2024 The 9-shade highlighter is a limited edition launch, replacing glitter (which is facing a ban in the EU) for a superfine pearlescent finish. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 29 Mar. 2024 While Bahnsen opened her fall 2024 show with a suite of black and midnight-blue looks, the white and pearlescent pieces in her collections have long attracted those due to walk down the aisle. Laura Hawkins, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2024 The buttons have a pearlescent tortoise shell look that secured the insert nicely, too. Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 17 Jan. 2024 Emily Ratajkowski, for example, wore a directional Jacquemus bridal look, Cardi B was swathed in inky Atelier Versace spring 2003 lace, Kylie Jenner came dripping in blood-red Ludovic de Saint Sernin beads, and Kim Kardashian showed that simple is often the most impactful in pearlescent Balenciaga. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pearlescent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pearlescent was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near pearlescent

Cite this Entry

“Pearlescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearlescent. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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