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
From a pair of Chanel mules accented with starfish charms to a mother-of-pearl shell hair clip, there’s no doubt this is a travel wardrobe destined for a sunny spot.
—
Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 22 May 2026
The actress and producer was a vision in a white silk double satin gown featuring a mother-of-pearl and crystal fan bodice.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
The watch comes in four distinct styles that combine different metals and stones, including steel with white mother-of-pearl, pink gold with blush-toned mother-of-pearl, and yellow gold with turquoise amazonite.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Here, Byun’s camera focuses in on several undead, their eyes flashing with a cruel shade of mother-of-pearl.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-of-pearl
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 22 May 2026
The actress and producer was a vision in a white silk double satin gown featuring a mother-of-pearl and crystal fan bodice.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
The watch comes in four distinct styles that combine different metals and stones, including steel with white mother-of-pearl, pink gold with blush-toned mother-of-pearl, and yellow gold with turquoise amazonite.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Here, Byun’s camera focuses in on several undead, their eyes flashing with a cruel shade of mother-of-pearl.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 May 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 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
