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

In a limited edition of four watches, the collection explores the tension between gold and steel with details including diamond stone dials and mother-of-pearl. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Meticulously carving mother-of-pearl on five different axis, each dial is a series of iridescent, perfectly polished pyramids, amplifying the shine of each 18-karat rose-gold or titanium case, available with or without diamonds upon the bezel. —Charlie Boyd, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

This wicker serving tray looks especially luxe with its mother-of-pearl inlay that’s full of spring style. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026

Variants with dials in black, turquoise with diamonds and mother-of-pearl with diamonds are also available at slightly higher prices. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 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