ivory
noun
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The History of Ivory
A hard white substance that is a variety of dentin, ivory makes up the tusks of such animals as elephants, walruses, and preserved mammoths. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and suitability for carving. In ancient times it was treasured as highly as gold and precious stones. Most ivory used commercially once came from Africa, but this trade declined in the 20th century as the populations of African elephants shrank, and increasing worldwide concern about endangered elephant populations led to bans on the export and import of ivory. The once-thriving markets of Europe have shifted to southeast Asia, where skilled artisans, often trading illegally, carve ivory into figurines and other objects.
Examples of ivory in a Sentence
Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
This 60-inch x 70-inch throw is available in seafoam green, blue, ivory, khaki, and ivory.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
Price upon publish date of this article: $98 Lulu and Georgia Punto Table Lamp by Aimee Song
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Gently curving edges and a stylish linen shade make this ivory lamp into something utterly museum-worthy.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Its body is covered in an irregular mix of dark brown patches, ivory splotches and yellow-orange bumps.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ivory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivory. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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