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

Meanwhile, Kelce swapped out his signature eclectic style for a classic black tuxedo paired with angular tortoiseshell sunglasses, a white dress shirt, and a long black tie. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 July 2026

The slim shape gives off cool-girl energy, while the tortoiseshell finish keeps them feeling classic. — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Adjective

Solid nail colors are clear classics, but there are multiple designs, like tortoiseshell prints and half-moon nail art, that are equally as versatile. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 July 2026

The mix of ginger, calico, tuxedo and tortoiseshell kittens were found by college students and taken to a shelter in Philadelphia on June 19. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 July 2026

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