ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈī-v(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

a

: the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (such as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal)

b

: a tusk that yields ivory

2

: a variable color averaging a pale yellow

3

slang : tooth

4

: something (such as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance

ivory adjective

Did you know?

The History of Ivory

A hard white substance that is a variety of dentin, ivory makes up the tusks of such animals as elephants, walruses, and preserved mammoths. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and suitability for carving. In ancient times it was treasured as highly as gold and precious stones. Most ivory used commercially once came from Africa, but this trade declined in the 20th century as the populations of African elephants shrank, and increasing worldwide concern about endangered elephant populations led to bans on the export and import of ivory. The once-thriving markets of Europe have shifted to southeast Asia, where skilled artisans, often trading illegally, carve ivory into figurines and other objects.

Examples of ivory in a Sentence

a carved piece of ivory

Recent Examples on the Web

The bodice is made of soft chiffon and has a tulle overlay, beautifully embroidered with a lovely ivory and pink floral pattern. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024

Archaeologists also discovered an ivory lacquerware artifact with an unknown purpose. —Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2024

Grab a pair of the pajamas in sizes XS through XL and four colors: ivory, black, light gray, and blush. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

In the ancient world, they were made from all manner of materials, such as shells, bone, teeth, ivory, glass, precious stones, and even pottery shards. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

Five thousand years ago, in what’s now southern Spain, a special set of women donned their ceremonial gowns, bedecked with tens of thousands of beads crafted from shell, ivory and amber. —Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024

Another sweep reveals a slightly older sunglass-and-brown-blazer-wearing Joel tickling the ivories before a final montage shows Joel on stage, backstage, in the studio and with his kids throughout his half-century career. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2024

For a soothing look, consider a soft, monochromatic color palette – such as ivory, beige or powdery blue – for walls, curtains and linens. —Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Color options are also more limited (this set is only available in white, ivory, and sterling). —Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-French ivoire, ivurie, from Latin eboreus of ivory, from ebor-, ebur ivory, from Egyptian ʾ̹b, ʾ̹bw elephant, ivory

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ivory

• ivory-billed woodpecker
• ivory black
• ivory nut
• ivory tower
• ivory-towered
• vegetable ivory

Kids Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

1

: the hard creamy-white substance of which the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant or walrus) are formed

2

: a pale whitish yellow

Medical Definition

ivory

noun

ivo·​ry ˈīv-(ə-)rē 

plural ivories

: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant

ivory adjective