pearlescent

adjective

pearl·​es·​cent ˌpər-ˈle-sᵊnt 

: having a pearly luster

a pearlescent lacquer

pearlescence

ˌpər-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 

noun

Synonyms of pearlescent

• iridescent
• opalescent
• colorful
• nacreous

Examples of pearlescent in a Sentence

the sedan comes in an array of colors, with either a metallic or pearlescent finish

Recent Examples on the Web

While Earth blocks some of the sun’s light, stray beams will pass around and through our atmosphere, turning the moon’s usually pearlescent surface red. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 Mar. 2026

Tiny, pearlescent buttons add an elegant touch and can be worn in the front or the back to maximize outfit versatility. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

The Montreal producer’s pearlescent new album renders heartbreak and obsession in patient waves of ambient, dub techno, and progressive house. —Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026

Hasbro is offering the magical weapons that HUNTR/X carry, including Rumi’s Four Tiger blade (a pearlescent foam blade), Mira’s Curved Moon Sword, and Zoey’s Spirit Blades. —Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pearlescent

• depressant
• fluorescent
• incessant
• putrescent
• quiescent
• senescent
• suppressant
• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent