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

Nikos Koulis launched a new high jewelry collection that pairs rare tortoiseshell acetate with precious stones, underscoring how the exploration of fine jewelry as an art form is on the rise this year. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Its hexagonal skeleton evokes a tortoiseshell, a symbol of longevity and good luck in Japanese culture. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Scorched Bamboo Bookshelves These are gorgeous, warm shelves made of wood that looks burnt or that has a tortoiseshell appearance (as seen in the etagere sheet music holder above). — Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 6 Nov. 2026

Her tortoiseshell version appears to be one of the much more affordable plastic iterations—the kind that can still be found at any big-box store for less than $10. — Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Oct. 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