\ ˈpər(-ə)l
\
\
Definition of pearl
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: 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
pearl
verb
pearled; pearling; pearls
Definition of pearl (Entry 2 of 5)
pearl
adjectiveDefinition of pearl (Entry 3 of 5)
1a
: of, relating to, or resembling pearl
b
: made of or adorned with pearls
2
: having medium-sized grains
pearl barley
pearl
noun (2)Definition of pearl (Entry 4 of 5)
British
: picot
Pearl
geographical name
\ ˈpər(-ə)l
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Definition of Pearl (Entry 5 of 5)
1
river about 410 miles (660 kilometers) long in southern Mississippi flowing south into the Gulf of Mexico
2
— see zhu
Other Words from pearl
Verb
pearler
\
ˈpər-lər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of pearl in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The tiara boasts 19 diamond arches, with pearls dangling from each embellished curve.
—
Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 20 June 2017
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Even grains like sorghum and farro may not necessarily be whole since they are frequently pearled.
—
Sophie Egan, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2020
Instagram: @juliaclancy Email: food@sfchronicle.com Fresh-Herb Matzo Ball Soup Serves 4 to 6
Changing water into fat-pearled, herb-laced, deeply fragrant broth was one of the first acts of magic taught to me in cooking.
—
Julia Clancy, SFChronicle.com, 5 Feb. 2020
Then, as the woman convicted of murder reached out her arms, the judge, still in her black robe and pearled necklace, wrapped her in an embrace.
—
Sarah Mervosh, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2019
Barley is sold in a variety of forms: Hulled, hull-less, pearl (pearled), and quick-cooking.
—
Darlene Zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, 30 June 2019
Whole grain: Choose from quinoa, emmer farro, einkorn, spelt, whole-grain sorghum (as opposed to pearled), whole-grain barley (again, not pearled), bulgur wheat, freekeh, Kamut wheat, brown rice, black rice, red rice and wild rice.
—
Carrie Dennett, The Seattle Times, 28 Nov. 2018
This twist on risotto uses pearled barley instead of Arborio rice for a healthier dish.
—
Country Living, 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.
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Kimberly Chrisman-campbell, WSJ, 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, 20 Mar. 2017
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
The ultra concentrated formula with a 10 micro-pearl applicator energizes, illuminates and lifts the eye contour.
—
Cécilia Pelloux, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2021
The pearl-white hull has been engineered to minimize drag and maximize efficiency.
—
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2021
That would officially make this our 12th anniversary, traditionally pearl, but Brian never cast pearls before wine.
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Kevin Fisher-paulson, SFChronicle.com, 22 Sep. 2020
Metallic and pearl paint colors will cost $400 extra.
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Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 19 May 2020
Annie, Brenda, Elise, and Cynthia (Stockard Channing) are graduating from college, and exchange promises (and pearl necklaces) to be friends forever.
—
Anne Cohen, refinery29.com, 2 Apr. 2020
On land there were hikes to waterfalls and visits to pearl farms and villages.
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Stephanie Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2020
Mejuri’s inventory is filled with 14K gold rings, dainty diamond stud earrings, and even pearl goods that would make Harry Styles do a double-take at its fair prices.
—
Bianca Nieves, Teen Vogue, 12 Mar. 2020
Check out the gallery below for pearl headbands that will elevate your look for less than $30.
—
Shalwah Evans, Essence, 22 Jan. 2020
See MoreThese 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Pearl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearl. Accessed 16 Jan. 2022.
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More Definitions for pearl
pearl
noun
\ ˈpərl
\
\
Kids Definition of pearl
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
pearl
noun
\ ˈpərl
\
\
Medical Definition of pearl
1
: perle
2
: one of the rounded concentric masses of squamous epithelial cells characteristic of certain tumors
3
: a miliary leproma of the iris
4
: a rounded abnormal mass of enamel on a tooth
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Time Traveler for pearl
The first known use of pearl was in the 14th century
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