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 Guerlain Spa has a hammam and eight hillside cabanas, each with different design touches: a quartz massage table in one, mother-of-pearl walls covering another. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

On May 11 in Geneva, Sotheby’s will auction a singular platinum version of the coveted model with a light pink mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour markers during its live Important Watches sale. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025

The center seconds – which is outsized on the dial to emphasize its accuracy – is mother-of-pearl that is dyed an equally striking blue color in another shade. —Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

The shimmering watch features an elegant mother-of-pearl dial complemented by diamonds and a luxurious polished steel bezel with 56 diamonds. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 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