mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl ˌmə-t͟hə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l 

: the hard pearly iridescent substance forming the inner layer of a mollusk shell

Examples of mother-of-pearl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Retailing for over $9,000 and long associated with icons like Grace Kelly and the Princess of Wales, the 10-motif piece now adorning ballplayers is available in stones such as onyx, malachite, carnelian, and mother-of-pearl. —India Brown, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025

For instance, on the main floor, a Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture accents a jewelry and small leather goods display case while a mother-of-pearl and rose quartz mural of a rose graces a spa salon. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

What Wilm delivered was a cascade of mother-of-pearl motifs and coral anchoring the vaulted space. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025

The striking watch also showcases mother-of-pearl marquetry, white gold lace, and some diamonds for good measure. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mother-of-pearl

• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl
• whirl
• whorl

Kids Definition

mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl

ˌmət͟h-ə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l

: the hard pearly material that lines the shell of some mollusks (as mussels) and is often used for ornamental objects and buttons