tortoiseshell
noun
tor·toise·shell
| \ ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel
, -əsh-ˌshel\
, -əsh-ˌshel\
Definition of tortoiseshell
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2
or tortoiseshell butterfly
: any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black
tortoiseshell
adjectiveDefinition of tortoiseshell (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring
tortoiseshell glasses
2
: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream
Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
This isn't the first time tortoiseshell nails have trended. — Condé Nast, Allure, "Tortoiseshell Nails Are the Next Big Animal-Inspired Manicure Trend," 16 Aug. 2019 Take a look at some of the many ways nail artists are interpreting tortoiseshell. — Condé Nast, Allure, "Tortoiseshell Nails Are the Next Big Animal-Inspired Manicure Trend," 16 Aug. 2019 Today’s iterations couldn’t be more different: Most of them follow the current trends for pearl, shell, and tortoiseshell jewelry, like Staud’s XXL resin chain and Donni’s pearl version. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "The Biggest Instagram Trends of Summer 2019," 26 July 2019 The hardest decision will be landing on which pattern to wear first: the classic tortoiseshell or the turquoise marble. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, "All The Best-Selling Hair Clips At ASOS Are Under $20," 5 July 2019 Newman also made tortoiseshell nails to match earrings made of the same material. — Kristen Bateman, Allure, "Schiaparelli Makes the Case for Matching Your Makeup to Your Outfit," 3 July 2019 Children play on a parabolic swing bridge and a tortoiseshell-like armored tank, derived from Leonardo’s notebooks. — Claudia Kalb, National Geographic, "Why Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance endures, 500 years after his death," 12 June 2019 Add decorative trays to display perfume bottles, compacts, flower arrangements, tortoiseshell combs, and candles. — Heather Corcoran, ELLE Decor, "How to Bring Old Hollywood Into Your Home," 19 Mar. 2019 For a weekend stay, something more deluxe, like a case of wine or tortoiseshell salad tongs. — Ali Wentworth, Town & Country, "The Wisdom of Muffie," 7 Jan. 2013Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Meghan also donned a pair of her favorite Sarah Flint pumps, which feature a tortoiseshell heel. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Just Wore the Chicest Wrap Jacket by Australian Designer Scanlan Theodore," 27 Oct. 2018 Matchett also produces tortoiseshell hair accessories and has expanded into silver and gold stainless steel hoops too. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping With This Line of Pretty, Affordable Tortoiseshell Earrings," 1 Nov. 2017 He was dressed casually but crisply, tortoiseshell glasses framing his face and a giant analog watch devouring his right wrist. — Jesse Lichtenstein, New York Times, "A Whimsical Wordsmith Charts a Course Beyond Twitter," 15 June 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for tortoiseshell
tortoiseshell
noun
English Language Learners Definition of tortoiseshell
: the usually brown and yellow shell of a turtle that is used to make decorations
: a cat with yellow, orange, white, and black fur
: a usually brown and orange butterfly
See the full definition for tortoiseshell in the English Language Learners Dictionary
tortoiseshell
noun
tor·toise·shell
| \ ˈtȯr-təs-ˌshel
\
\
Kids Definition of tortoiseshell
1
: a hard brown and yellow material that covers the shell of a sea tortoise used especially in the past for ornamental objects
2
: a brightly colored butterfly
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