pearl
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pearl, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A smooth, rounded gem formed inside the shell of certain oysters and mollusks, prized for jewelry.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pearl
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French perle, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to Latin perna ("a leg-shaped shellfish") or perula ("little bag"). The surfing sense comes from the resemblance to a pearl diver disappearing underwater.
Full origin of pearl →Frequently asked questions
What does “pearl” mean?
The word “pearl” means a smooth, rounded gem formed inside the shell of certain oysters and mollusks, prized for jewelry. In plain terms, the smooth gem grown inside a mollusk shell; in surfing slang, to nosedive a board into the water.
How do you pronounce “pearl”?
“Pearl” is pronounced purl (/pɝl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pearl” in a sentence?
Here is “pearl” used in a sentence: “She wore a string of pearls to the wedding.”
What part of speech is “pearl”?
Depending on how it is used, “pearl” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pearl” come from?
The word “pearl” comes from Latin. From Old French perle, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to Latin perna ("a leg-shaped shellfish") or perula ("little bag"). The surfing sense comes from the resemblance to a pearl diver disappearing underwater.
Is “pearl” a common word?
“Pearl” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pearl” have?
“Pearl” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a smooth, rounded gem formed inside the shell of certain oysters and mollusks, prized for jewelry.
What is the difference between a pearl and a gemstone?
Most gemstones are minerals cut and polished from rock, while a pearl is a smooth, rounded gem formed inside the shell of certain oysters and mollusks. This makes the pearl an organic gem, prized for jewelry, rather than a mined mineral stone.
What is the difference between mother-of-pearl and a pearl?
A pearl is the whole smooth, rounded gem formed inside the shell of an oyster or mollusk. Mother-of-pearl is the shiny, iridescent lining of the shell itself, which is the same material that coats a pearl but is used as a surface rather than a standalone gem.