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Definition of ivory

ivory

/ˈaɪ.və.ɹi/
i · vo · ry

Plural:ivories
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ivory Lexical Profile

ivory Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The hard, creamy-white substance composing the main part of the tusks of an elephant, walrus, or narwhal.

Example

"The international trade of elephant ivory has been strictly banned to protect the species from poachers."


2

A creamy white color with a slight tinge of yellow.

Example

"The bride chose a classic wedding dress in soft ivory rather than stark white."


3

An object made from this material, especially the keys of a piano or dice (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The jazz pianist sat down at the grand piano and began to tickle the ivories."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ivory

• Rhymes for ivory

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'ivorie', borrowed from Old French 'yvoire', from Latin 'eboreus' (made of ivory), derived from 'ebur' (ivory). Ultimately from an Afroasiatic source, likely related to the ancient Egyptian word for elephant, 'ꜣbw'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ivory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ivory
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