ivory
noun
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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
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
In the image, Berry gave the Grammy Award-winning musician a kiss on the cheek while wearing Monday Swimwear's Aruba One-Piece ($186) in black/ivory, which featured a plunging, cleavage-baring neckline.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 30 July 2025
An ivory, Vivienne Westwood mini dress — the most traditional element of her bridal get-up — was offset with her trademark blackout bugeye sunglasses, worn everywhere from her most recent Glastonbury Festival performance to out clubbing with friends.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Soft, sheer ivory curtains open to reveal a bamboo garden inspired by Halston’s house on the Upper East Side.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ivory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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ivory
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