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

Rather than sticking to traditional off-white or ivory, the collection also includes muted shades like hay, hazelnut, and olive, giving sheer linen curtains a richer, more unexpected twist. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

The haul of 221 pieces of elephant ivory weighing 2,630 pounds was announced and displayed to the media on Wednesday at Quy Nhơn port in the central province of Gia Lai, said reports by the Vietnam News Agency and other news outlets. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

For fall, bright white gives way to softer shades of ivory, cream, and ecru that feel right at home alongside chunky knits, heavier layers, and of course, a classic trench coat. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

Thursday’s reports said inspections last week discovered the ivory hidden in sawn timber that was in a shipment of three containers that arrived on July 9. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

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