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

The exhibition opens with an intricate model of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that Palestinian craftspeople in Bethlehem made of local materials including olive and pistachio wood, mother-of-pearl and camel bone. —Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026

The result was a gorgeously ornate solid-body guitar, featuring the titular animal under the bridge in mother-of-pearl. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026

The faux mother-of-pearl button closure adds a bespoke touch. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026

According to a press release, the kit comes with a 1-ounce tin of McNugget Caviar, a $25 McDonald’s gift card, crème fraîche and a mother-of-pearl caviar spoon. —Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026

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