VocabDictionary

ivory

/ˈaɪ.və.ri/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A hard, smooth, creamy-white dentine that forms the main part of the tusks of elephants, walruses, and other animals.

Example Sentences:
  • International treaties strictly ban the commercial trade of poached elephant ivory.
  • The museum displays intricate 14th-century religious figurines carved from solid ivory.
2.noun

A creamy, slightly warm off-white color.

Example Sentences:
  • The bride chose an elegant wedding gown in subtle shades of ivory and champagne.
  • The interior walls were painted a soft ivory to make the living room feel brighter.
3.adjective

Made of ivory, or having the delicate off-white color of ivory.

Example Sentences:
  • She ran her fingers over the antique ivory chess pieces.
  • The grand ballroom was illuminated with hundreds of ivory taper candles.
4.noun

(informal, usually in plural) The keys of a piano or other keyboard instrument.

Example Sentences:
  • The jazz musician sat down to tickle the ivories late into the night.
  • Generations of students practiced scales on the worn ivories of the upright piano.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “ivory”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English 'ivori', borrowed from Old French 'ivoire', which derives from Latin 'eboreus' ('of ivory'), an adjective formed from 'ebur' ('ivory'). The Latin noun is thought to trace back to Ancient Egyptian 'âb' or 'âbu' meaning 'elephant' or 'ivory'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture an elephant with tusks shaped like Roman numeral 'IV' (four) that are very (IV-ory) valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions About “ivory

1. What is the meaning of “ivory” in English?

In English, ivory (noun) is defined as: “A hard, smooth, creamy-white dentine that forms the main part of the tusks of elephants, walruses, and other animals.”.

2. How do you use “ivory” in a sentence?

International treaties strictly ban the commercial trade of poached elephant ivory.

3. What are English synonyms of “ivory”?

Common synonyms include:cream,off-white,alabaster,bone,pearl

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “ivory”?

Middle English 'ivori', borrowed from Old French 'ivoire', which derives from Latin 'eboreus' ('of ivory'), an adjective formed from 'ebur' ('ivory'). The Latin noun is thought to trace back to Ancient Egyptian 'âb' or 'âbu' meaning 'elephant' or 'ivory'.