Pearl

/pɜːrl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hard, round, shiny object produced by some mollusks, typically used in jewelry.

She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls that shimmered in the light.

A valuable person or thing; a person or thing of great beauty or significance.

He is a pearl among friends, always there to lend support.

A small, round bead formed within the soft tissue of a mollusk, living in the sea or freshwater.

The divers searched for pearls in the oyster beds along the coast.

verb

To form or produce pearls.

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.

A rare or special person.

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

Something valuable or cherished.

That old guitar of yours is a pearl.