SINCE 1828
pearl
noun (1)
\ 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
\
\
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
Keep scrolling for more
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, "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 2017Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Barley is sold in a variety of forms: Hulled, hull-less, pearl (pearled), and quick-cooking. — Darlene Zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "This nutritious grain provides cholesterol lowering fiber in this summer salad," 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, "Grain bowls are trending. Here’s how to make your own.," 28 Nov. 2018 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. 2017Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
The resident later discovered $500 in cash missing from three different areas of the home, and two pearl necklaces missing from a jewelry box, police said. — chicagotribune.com, "Niles police: Cash, jewelry stolen from home after man visits, offers to buy firewood," 25 June 2019 In contrast with her flowing silver waves, Myricks coated Aina's lips in an unreal gold-foil finish, picking up on the golden grids and dots on her long, pearl-white nails. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Jackie Aina's Essence Digital Cover Is an Ethereal Dream Come True for Fans," 6 June 2019 Although the same piece, it was styled very differently to Kate's appearance, with the Duchess of Kent opted for a statement headpiece, pearl necklaces, and casual sneakers with her own Erdem. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton's Floral Erdem Dress Is a Royal Family Favorite," 21 May 2019 The singer/heartthrob wore pearl earrings, a sheer blouse, and high heels. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jared Leto Carried His Own Head on the Met Gala Red Carpet," 6 May 2019 The chronology, which takes nine-tenths of a mile to unfold, highlights the region’s geological formation, natural habitats, Bedouin culture, and early coastal settlements and their pearl trade. — Julie Lasky, ELLE Decor, "ED First Look: The National Museum of Qatar," 26 Mar. 2019 Large pearl earrings and mounds of crystal rings finished off the outfit with sparkles galore. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Kylie Jenner’s First Holiday Party Look Is Here," 22 Dec. 2018 Standing in a semicircle surrounding Franklin’s family, the women filed in for nearly 10 minutes wearing black dresses, pearl necklaces, and corsages of African violets, the sorority’s official flower. — Errin Haines Whack, The Seattle Times, "Delta Sigma Theta pays tribute to soror, the Queen of Soul," 28 Aug. 2018 Continuing their first royal tour as a couple, Meghan and Harry were warmly welcomed into Fiji, with the Duchess stunning the crowd by wearing a gorgeous, pearl white Zimmermann dress. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Toasts with Water, While Prince Harry Samples 'Narcotic' Delicacy Kava," 23 Oct. 2018These 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on pearl
What made you want to look up pearl? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share pearl
Resources for pearl