1
a
: a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of mother-of-pearl as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem
wore a string of pearls to the party
b
2
: one that is very choice or precious
3
: something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically
4
: a nearly neutral slightly bluish medium gray
pearled; pearling; pearls
1
: to set or adorn with pearls
2
: to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops
3
: to form into small round grains
4
: to give a pearly color or luster to
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling pearl
b
: made of or adorned with pearls
2
: having medium-sized grains
pearl barley
plural -s
1
2
3
: a worker that uses a special tool on a vertical lathe to decorate watch pillar plates with an interlocking ring design
Cite this Entry
“Pearl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearl. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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