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

Breezy interiors balance local crafts—coconut wood, wicker, and mother-of-pearl inlays—with creature comforts such as open-plan living rooms, outdoor rain showers, and private pools large enough to swim laps in. —Chris Schalkx, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025

Rojas has been seen donning an onyx Alhambra necklace while also rotating the matching VCA earrings or a mother-of-pearl Sweet Butterflies pair. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 16 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

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