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

Did you know?

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

During excavations at a site in Ukraine’s Southern Bug Valley, researchers discovered 24 ivory fragments, as well as artifacts made of flint and quartz. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025

These ivory pieces, showing signs of intentional modification, may represent the earliest evidence of deliberate ivory processing, possibly crafted by children as imitations of tools. —Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

The fashion designer also shared more details about the ivory gown, which Bloom paired with custom Manolo Blahnik sandals at her beach nuptials, the bride told Vogue. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

The 28-year-old star finished the ivory look with long red nails, sparkling Bulgari jewels and — of course — her 5.02-carat diamond and 18-karat white gold engagement ring (designed by Jessica McCormack) from fiancé and former Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland. —Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025

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