tortoiseshell

1 of 2

noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2

or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

tortoiseshell

2 of 2

adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring

tortoiseshell glasses

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Keeping Nanjiani company was a tortoiseshell kitty named Honeybee. —Jane Bua, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025

The quickest way to elevate a dinner party, or, for that matter a steaming bowl of Top Ramen, is Sabre cutlery—and not just any Sabre cutlery, but tortoiseshell. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2025

Adjective

The monochromatic fit was finished off with tortoiseshell oval sunglasses from Heaven Mayhem, a caramel brown leather bag, and polka dot, pointed pumps. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025

Their tortoiseshell print boasts a pop of lavender around the lenses and on the inner arms for a glam look with a modern twist. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoiseshell

• tortoiseshell butterfly

Kids Definition

tortoiseshell

1 of 2 noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: a spotted hornlike substance that covers the shell of some turtles and is used especially formerly to make ornamental objects

2

: any of several showy butterflies

tortoiseshell

2 of 2 adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in spotted brown and yellow coloring

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat that consists of patches of black, orange, and light yellow