ivory

[ˈaɪvəri]

ivory Definition

  • 1hard white material made from elephant tusks, used for carving and ornamental objects
  • 2a pale yellowish-white color

Using ivory: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ivory" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The ivory carvings were displayed in the museum.

  • Example

    The piano keys were made of ivory.

  • Example

    The statue was adorned with ivory ornaments.

ivory Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ivory

Phrases with ivory

  • a state of privileged seclusion or separation from the facts and practicalities of the real world

    Example

    He spent his life in an ivory tower, writing books that nobody read.

  • the commercial activity of buying and selling ivory, often illegally obtained from poaching elephants

    Example

    The ivory trade has been banned in many countries to protect endangered species.

  • ivory-billed woodpecker

    a large woodpecker that is native to the southeastern United States and Cuba, and is considered critically endangered

    Example

    The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the rarest birds in North America.

Origins of ivory

from Old French 'ivurie', from Latin 'ebur'

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Summary: ivory in Brief

The term 'ivory' [ˈaɪvəri] refers to a hard white material made from elephant tusks, used for carving and ornamental objects. It also denotes a pale yellowish-white color. Examples include 'The ivory carvings were displayed in the museum.' and 'The statue was adorned with ivory ornaments.' The phrase 'ivory tower' describes a state of privileged seclusion, while 'ivory trade' refers to the illegal buying and selling of ivory.

How do native speakers use this expression?