pearly

adjective

ˈpər-lē 

pearlier; pearliest

1

: resembling, containing, or adorned with pearls or mother-of-pearl

2

: highly precious

Examples of pearly in a Sentence

Her teeth were pearly white.

Recent Examples on the Web

The musician brought a little Y2K-futurism energy to Dior with her makeup, most notably that unmistakeable frosty, pearly texture so popular in the late ‘90s and early 2000s—an aesthetic experiencing a major resurgence today. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026

Following the master’s cremation, his disciples sifted through the cremains and purportedly found several colorful, pearly relics. —Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

Following the master's cremation, his disciples sifted through the cremains and found several colorful, pearly relics. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

The mountain is incredibly hypnotic when catching the pearly hues of the first and last light of day and distils the unearthly beauty of the Himalayas into one gorgeous frame. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pearly

• pearly everlasting
• pearly nautilus
• pearly whites

Rhymes for pearly

• burley
• burly
• curly
• girlie
• girly
• hurly
• surly

Kids Definition

pearly

adjective

ˈpər-lē 

pearlier; pearliest

: resembling pearls or mother-of-pearl