ivory
noun
ivo·ry
| \ ˈīv-rē
, ˈī-və-rē\
, ˈī-və-rē\
plural ivories
Definition of ivory
1a
: the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (such as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal)
b
: a tusk that yields ivory
2
: a variable color averaging a pale yellow
4
: something (such as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance
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Examples of ivory in a Sentence
a carved piece of ivory
Recent Examples on the Web
The twist this summer is that the looks are mainly covered—long sleeves, trousers, midi lengths—and in pale neutrals: ivory, cream. — Vogue, "Last Week, Stars Found Summer’s Key Look," 15 July 2019 Tickling the outdoor ivories Flower Piano runs through July 22 in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 Ninth Ave. in Golden Gate Park. — Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, "Friday morning in San Francisco and the sound of pianos blossom," 12 July 2019 The elegant ivory Zac Posen ballgown is made up of layers of tulle that wrap together in front for a plunging, strapless sweetheart neckline. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "David Foster Shares Candid Wedding Day Photo of Katharine McPhee: ‘I’m in the Best Seat Ever!’," 29 June 2019 This includes decorative objects crafted in gold, silver and ivory, furnishings, historic photographs and relics from sacred Buddhist sites. — Carolina A. Miranda, latimes.com, "Datebook: A museum show explores what was showing on TV in the days of the U.S.S.R.," 20 June 2019 An ivory hemstitched napkin with gold monogram is the little black dress of tabletop. — Jura Koncius, Washington Post, "A linens expert’s rules for dressing your table," 29 July 2019 English is my second language and for some reason in my mind, ivory is akin to teeth and horns. — Sarah Menkedick, Longreads, "The First Book," 24 July 2019 Authorities say the ivory, with tusks from nearly 300 elephants, is worth $12.9 million; the pangolin scales, estimated to have been taken from around 2,000 Giant Ground Pangolins, would fetch around $35.7 million. — Jack Guy, CNN, "Singapore seizes tusks from 300 elephants in ivory haul worth $12.9 million," 23 July 2019 Good-quality mammoth ivory can fetch from $500 to $1,000 a kilo (2.2 pounds), people familiar with the trade said. — Ann M. Simmons, WSJ, "A Mammoth Problem Emerges in Siberia," 10 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ivory.' 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 ivory
ivory
noun
English Language Learners Definition of ivory
: a hard white substance that forms the tusks of elephants and other animals
: a slightly yellowish white color
informal
: a piano key
See the full definition for ivory in the English Language Learners Dictionary
ivory
noun
ivo·ry
| \ ˈī-və-rē
, ˈīv-rē\
, ˈīv-rē\
plural ivories
Kids Definition of ivory
1
: a hard creamy-white material that forms the tusks of mammals (as elephants)
2
: a creamy white color
ivory
noun
ivo·ry
| \ ˈīv-(ə-)rē
\
\
plural ivories
Medical Definition of ivory
: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant
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