ivory

noun

ivo·ry ˈī-v(ə-)rē

plural ivories

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

: a tusk that yields ivory

: a variable color averaging a pale yellow

slang : tooth

: 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 There are 24 styles to choose from, including elegant ivory with gold hardware, black on black, shiny champagne, olive green with a camo strap, bright orange, and hot pink. —

Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023 Made of towering spindles of blue, gold, and ivory, Mother Splits the Moon (2023) plays with space both vertical and horizontal, interior and exterior. —

Grace Edquist, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2023 Variety reported that the movie received an eight-minute standing ovation after its premiere. July 5, 2023: Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander make a stylish appearance at Paris Fashion Week The couple appeared at Paris Fashion Week in complementary silver and ivory looks. —

Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 The last year and a half of Kik’s life is recorded in the four inches of ivory at the base of the tusk. —

Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2023 Veja Venturi sneakers come in ivory and brown colorways, and in sizes 36-41. —

Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Oct. 2023 Choose from a number of neutral colors, including walnut, gray oak, white, ivory and black. —

Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 17 Aug. 2023 Shoppers can choose from a number of colors and patterns, including ivory and blue, in sizes twin through split king. —

Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023 This design has a retro appeal and comes in a great choice of colors, including ivory and bold turquoise. Find it on AmazonFind it on Walmart This Headband Will Turn Heads A floral headband is not just for the summer festival season. —

Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2023 See More

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

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of ivory was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century