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 clocks also exude the elegant Art Deco feel that Cartier developed in that era, with materials such as rock crystal, onyx, mother-of-pearl, jade, and gemstones adding a sense of luxury. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

An antique mother-of-pearl ice cream dish is used as a salt cellar. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 Sep. 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

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