mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl ˌmə-t͟hə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l 

: the hard pearly iridescent substance forming the inner layer of a mollusk shell

Examples of mother-of-pearl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Napa leather linings, a cabochon clasp inlaid with white mother-of-pearl, and interchangeable silk tassels available in 12 colors to encourage customers’ personalization rounded out the style. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Floral motifs appear throughout the mosque’s floors and walls, while columns rise like flower stems, each inlaid with mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones that climb toward capitals shaped like palm fronds. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

The Pearly Kings were once a fixture of East London, raising money in their mother-of-pearl suits. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

That exceptionally solid architecture is juxtaposed with a soft, pink mother-of-pearl dial. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mother-of-pearl

• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl
• whirl
• whorl

Kids Definition

mother-of-pearl

noun

moth·​er-of-pearl

ˌmət͟h-ə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l

: the hard pearly material that lines the shell of some mollusks (as mussels) and is often used for ornamental objects and buttons