Meaning & Definition of word "Pearl"

Pearl

/pɜːrl/

1. A hard, round, shiny object produced by some mollusks, typically used in jewelry.
- Example: She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls that shimmered in the light.
2. A valuable person or thing; a person or thing of great beauty or significance.
- Example: He is a pearl among friends, always there to lend support.
3. A small, round bead formed within the soft tissue of a mollusk, living in the sea or freshwater.
- Example: The divers searched for pearls in the oyster beds along the coast.

1. To form or produce pearls.
- Example: The mollusks were cultivated to pearl in the controlled environment of the farm.

Middle English, from Old French 'perle', from Latin 'perula'.

Pearls before swine:

To offer something of value to someone who does not appreciate it.

Pearl of wisdom:

A wise saying or insight.

Strung like pearls:

To describe things that are lined up neatly in succession.

oyster:

A marine animal that often produces pearls.

gem:

A precious stone, often associated with beauty and value.

jewelry:

Decorative items worn on the body, often made with valuable materials.

Meaning: A rare or special person.

Example Sentence: She's a real pearl; you can always count on her.

Meaning: Something valuable or cherished.

Example Sentence: That old guitar of yours is a pearl.