cowrie
What is another word for cowrie? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Noun — A small sea snail with a smooth, glossy shell, especially the Indian Ocean species once used as a form of money, or the shell of this animal.
We haven't recorded synonyms for cowrie yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use cowrie
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cowrie shell
string of cowries
cowrie shell necklace
A neutral term used in everyday, historical and zoological contexts alike.
Etymology
Cowrie came into English in the mid-17th century from the Hindi word kauṛī.
Full origin of cowrie →Frequently asked questions
What is a cowrie?
A cowrie is a small sea snail with a glossy shell, or the shell itself, especially the species common in the Indian Ocean.
Were cowrie shells really used as money?
Yes, the shells of the cowrie were historically used as a form of currency, which is why they are also known as shell money.
Is it spelled cowrie or cowry?
Both spellings are used and mean the same thing, with cowrie and cowry being alternative forms of each other.
