ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈī-v(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

a

: the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (such as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal)

b

: a tusk that yields ivory

2

: a variable color averaging a pale yellow

3

slang : tooth

4

: something (such as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance

ivory adjective

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The History of Ivory

A hard white substance that is a variety of dentin, ivory makes up the tusks of such animals as elephants, walruses, and preserved mammoths. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and suitability for carving. In ancient times it was treasured as highly as gold and precious stones. Most ivory used commercially once came from Africa, but this trade declined in the 20th century as the populations of African elephants shrank, and increasing worldwide concern about endangered elephant populations led to bans on the export and import of ivory. The once-thriving markets of Europe have shifted to southeast Asia, where skilled artisans, often trading illegally, carve ivory into figurines and other objects.

Examples of ivory in a Sentence

a carved piece of ivory

Recent Examples on the Web

Ivory Lodge rooms, done in ebony and ivory, have African artifacts and views of the reserve and its animals from private terraces with plunge pools, while the cream and beige rooms at River Lodge have freestanding tubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

While the set only comes in four colorways—white, ivory, blush, and dark grey—these are a solid option for a classic bedscape, especially since this silhouette sports a hemstitch detail on the pillowcase covers and flat sheet. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026

Duff’s cream boots also linked her comeback to a wider ivory and white footwear streak running through recent celebrity appearances. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

Then there are the salon’s ivory-onyx floor and decorative-glass curtains that unite the designer’s penchant for residential creativity with Admiral’s in-house craftsmanship. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-French ivoire, ivurie, from Latin eboreus of ivory, from ebor-, ebur ivory, from Egyptian ʾ̹b, ʾ̹bw elephant, ivory

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ivory

• ivory-billed woodpecker
• ivory black
• ivory nut
• ivory tower
• ivory-towered
• vegetable ivory

Kids Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

: the hard creamy-white substance of which the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant or walrus) are formed

2

: a pale whitish yellow

Medical Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant

ivory adjective