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
According to a press release, the kit comes with a 1-ounce tin of McNugget Caviar, a $25 McDonald’s gift card, crème fraîche and a mother-of-pearl caviar spoon.
—
Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Serve the delicacy on blinis with unsalted butter or crème fraîche using the mother-of-pearl button that comes in the package.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Color options, all with lacquer coatings, include pine green, grey, brown, burgundy, black, or mother-of-pearl.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
On the Cleef & Arpels website, it’s described as an onyx and mother-of-pearl pin adorned with 18k yellow gold.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-of-pearl
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Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Serve the delicacy on blinis with unsalted butter or crème fraîche using the mother-of-pearl button that comes in the package.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Color options, all with lacquer coatings, include pine green, grey, brown, burgundy, black, or mother-of-pearl.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
On the Cleef & Arpels website, it’s described as an onyx and mother-of-pearl pin adorned with 18k yellow gold.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-of-pearl
Cite this Entry
“Mother-of-pearl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-of-pearl. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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