pearl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal (in core sense); can be informal/poetic in extended/metaphorical senses.
Quick answer
What does “pearl” mean?
A hard, smooth, round, usually white or bluish-grey object, formed inside the shell of an oyster, highly valued as a gem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, smooth, round, usually white or bluish-grey object, formed inside the shell of an oyster, highly valued as a gem.
Something (or someone) resembling a pearl in being rare, fine, or precious; a very pale, greyish-white colour; a small, round drop or bead of a liquid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor spelling preference differences for compounds (e.g., 'pearl-grey' in UK, 'pearl gray' in US).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Connotes high value, purity, elegance, and sometimes rarity or wisdom.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. Perhaps slightly higher in UK due to historical connection to the British monarchy and regalia.
Grammar
How to Use “pearl” in a Sentence
N (countable)Adj+N (pearl of [abstract noun])V+pearl+prep (pearl from/inside)N+N (pearl farming)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pearl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dew began to pearl on the grass at dawn.
- The master glassblower can pearl the rim of the vase.
American English
- Sweat was pearling on his forehead.
- They learned to pearl beads for jewelry making.
adverb
British English
- This is not used as a standard adverb.
American English
- This is not used as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- She chose a beautiful pearl-grey fabric for the curtains.
- The car had a pearlescent finish.
American English
- He wore a pearl gray suit to the meeting.
- The phone case was a pearlescent white.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the jewellery trade: 'The pearl market is highly regulated.'
Academic
In geology/biology: 'The process of pearl formation is called biomineralization.'
Everyday
Discussing jewellery or appearance: 'She wore her grandmother's pearls to the wedding.'
Technical
In printing/photography: 'A paper with a pearl finish.' In automotive: 'Pearlescent paint.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pearl”
- Using 'pearl' as an uncountable noun (*'I bought some pearl') – it is countable.
- Confusing 'pearl' (gem) with 'pearl' the colour (a compound adjective: 'pearl-white').
- Misspelling as 'perl'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but the term can apply to similar gems from other molluscs (e.g., freshwater mussels). It's also used metaphorically for anything resembling a pearl in shape, colour, or value.
A natural pearl forms without human intervention. A cultured pearl is formed by an oyster after a person deliberately implants a small irritant inside it, initiating the pearl-creation process.
Yes, though it's less common. As a verb, it means 'to form drops like pearls' (e.g., 'sweat pearled on his brow') or 'to adorn or set with pearls'.
It means to offer something valuable or beautiful to someone who cannot appreciate it. It comes from a biblical proverb.
A hard, smooth, round, usually white or bluish-grey object, formed inside the shell of an oyster, highly valued as a gem.
Pearl is usually neutral to formal (in core sense); can be informal/poetic in extended/metaphorical senses. in register.
Pearl: in British English it is pronounced /pɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɝːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cast pearls before swine”
- “A pearl of wisdom”
- “Pearls of dew”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PEARL = Precious Elegant And Rarely Found Lustre.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUABLE IDEAS ARE PEARLS ('pearls of wisdom'); PRECIOUS PEOPLE ARE PEARLS; SMALL ROUND THINGS ARE PEARLS ('pearls of sweat'); PERFECTION/PURITY IS A PEARL.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a common metaphorical use of 'pearl'?