pearl

noun \ ˈpər(-ə)l \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of pearl

1 a : a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of mother-of-pearl as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem

b : mother-of-pearl

2 : one that is very choice or precious

3 : something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically

4 : a nearly neutral slightly bluish medium gray

Recent Examples of pearl from the Web

The tiara boasts 19 diamond arches, with pearls dangling from each embellished curve.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "Kate Middleton Was Just Spotted Wearing the Perfect Royal Accessory—Princess Diana’s Tiara," 14 July 2017
The diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, as Vanity Fair notes, was a wedding gift to Princess Diana and known to be one of Diana's favorite pieces.

— melissa minton, Glamour, "Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara for State Banquet," 13 July 2017
They're then topped with purple icing, covered in sprinkles with purple and white edible pearls, and topped off with a fondant mermaid tale.

— danielle tullo, Cosmopolitan, "These Mermaid Cupcakes Are Pure Magic," 21 June 2017
Usually, the hot season is met with a certain amount of pearl-clutching disbelief by people outside of Arizona.

— amy b wang, Washington Post, "It’s so hot in Phoenix that airplanes can’t fly," 20 June 2017
Quick-cooking pearl barley is a flake that has been partially cooked and dried for quick cooking, similar to instant oatmeal.

— jill wendholt silva, kansascity.com, "Barley, Leek and Asparagus Skillet melds delicate flavors well," 5 July 2017
Sneakers made by Eytys, sunglasses by Carerra, and lots of jewelry in 18k gold and sterling silver with mother of pearl crosses.

— noah johnson, GQ, "Justin O’Shea Debuts SSS World Corp With a Guerrilla Fashion Show in the Streets of Paris," 24 June 2017
The Duchess of Cambridge stepped to the Royal Ascot today elegantly donning a white lace dress by Alexander McQueen, paired with a matching fascinator and pearl drop earrings.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Stuns in White Lace at the Royal Ascot," 20 June 2017
The clock, plated in mother of pearl, 18K white gold and crystal, also is diamond- and sapphire-encrusted and is referred to on the dealer’s website as the Asprey & Co. Mystery Clock.

— katherine rosenberg-douglas, chicagotribune.com, "Reward offered for $425K diamond-encrusted clock stolen last month," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pearl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pearl

Middle English perle, from Anglo-French, probably from Vulgar Latin *pernula, diminutive of Latin perna upper leg, kind of sea mussel; akin to Old English fiersn heel, Greek pternē

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste

pearl

verb

Definition of pearl

transitive verb

1 : to set or adorn with pearls

2 : to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops

3 : to form into small round grains

4 : to give a pearly color or luster to

intransitive verb

1 : to form drops or beads like pearls

2 : to fish or search for pearls

—

pearler

play \ˈpər-lər\ noun

Recent Examples of pearl from the Web

This twist on risotto uses pearled barley instead of Arborio rice for a healthier dish.

— Country Living, "Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash," 20 July 2012
But each version retains its handcrafted hallmarks: supple leather; saddle stitching; and hardware that’s undergone pearling, a technique that polishes and smooths it to glossy perfection.

— kimberly chrisman-campbell, WSJ, "Fall’s A-List Accessory: A Kelly Bag With a Twist," 31 Aug. 2017
The hour markers were pearled, and milled into the champagne dial to pick up its brass hue.

— gary shteyngart, The New Yorker, "Confessions of a Watch Geek," 20 Mar. 2017

First Known Use of pearl

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

pearl

adjective

Definition of pearl

1 a : of, relating to, or resembling pearl

b : made of or adorned with pearls

2 : having medium-sized grains

pearl barley

Recent Examples of pearl from the Web

Many female attendees wore pearl necklaces in honor of Barbara Bush's penchant for wearing pearls.

— rick jervis, USA TODAY, "Hundreds pay tribute in Houston to former first lady Barbara Bush during public repose," 20 Apr. 2018
But in years past, the queen and her court were given pearl necklaces or silver tiaras, sometimes so elaborate that the items became family heirlooms.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "Two jeweled tiaras from Missouri's Veiled Prophet debutante ball stolen from museum | The Kansas City Star," 18 Apr. 2018
The couple are also looking into turning the restaurant’s adjacent banquet hall — a sprawling space with disco balls, flashy chandeliers and shiny, pearl-white wallpaper — into a club for young Indian-Americans.

— priya krishna, New York Times, "They Were Fans of the Chef. Now They Run His Restaurant.," 6 Mar. 2018
Gorgeous shirting stripe with red piping and mother of pearl buttons.

— nick sullivan, Esquire, "Vintage Expert Sean Crowley Shares His Tips for Scoring the Perfect Find," 5 Jan. 2018
The IMx’s pearl white body is offset by vermilion accents, a color said to be inspired by uramasari, which describes the extravagant decoration found on the inner layers of traditional Japanese kimonos.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "IMx Theater: Nissan IMx Concept Offers an Advance Screening of Future of Mobility Possibilities," 25 Oct. 2017
The sablefish had another light sauce, basically a tomato broth, with pearl couscous, Asian cabbage, clams and wax beans.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Here's where to grab a fancy but fast dinner in Downtown Cincinnati," 3 Oct. 2017
In the book, a navy gilet or waistcoat, pearl necklace, shirt and long pleated skirt also made up the rest of the uniform.

— olivia blair, Town & Country, "Looking Back at the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook 35 Years Later," 18 Aug. 2017
The trend is going strong with pearl tailor-like pins.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "The New Pearls Are No Longer Fussy or Precious," 17 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of pearl

1610

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste

pearl

noun

Definition of pearl

British

: picot

Origin and Etymology of pearl

alteration of purl

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1542

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Pearl

geographical name \ ˈpər(-ə)l \

Definition of Pearl

1 river about 410 miles (660 kilometers) long in southern Mississippi flowing south into the Gulf of Mexico

2 — see zhu

PEARL Defined for Kids

pearl

noun \ ˈpərl \

Definition of pearl for Students

1 : a smooth rounded shiny usually white body that is formed within the shell of some mollusks (as oysters) usually around an irritating particle which has gotten into the shell

2 : mother-of-pearl

3 : something like a pearl in shape, color, or value