tortoiseshell

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

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smith Embark sunglasses, with timeless tortoiseshell frames and pretty blue lenses, help protect my eyes from the sun. —Jamie Davis Smith, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

Adult tortoiseshell butterflies eat nectar from flowers. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

Everything from tortoiseshell and florals to gold details looks gorgeous when paired with a white nail design. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 24 May 2026

The shoes were coordinated with Hadid’s Gucci tortoiseshell sunglasses, and also complemented tan pants with a slight flare and a sheer ruffled top. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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