What does ivory mean?
Ivory names a dense, smooth, creamy-white material obtained chiefly from the tusks of elephants and from the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals. As a noun, it can refer to the material itself, an animal’s tusk, or a small object made from ivory, such as a carving or ornament. As an adjective, ivory describes objects made of this material and, more commonly in modern design and fashion, a pale creamy-white color. Ivory has long been valued for its smoothness, durability, and ability to take fine detail, making it important in sculpture, decorative arts, and historically in the manufacture of piano keys and other objects. The word also carries historical associations with luxury, trade, and the exploitation of animals, so modern ethical discussion often centers on the sourcing of ivory and the conservation of elephants and other mammals.
The hard, smooth, creamy-white material obtained especially from elephant tusks and the tusks or teeth of some other mammals; also an object or carving made of this material.
"The artist worked in ivory, producing delicate portraits and small sculptures."
The material is normally treated as an uncountable mass noun; plural ivories is used for separate objects or works made from it.
Made of ivory, or having a pale creamy-white color resembling ivory.
"The room featured an ivory sofa and matching curtains."
The color sense is especially common in descriptions of design, fashion, skin, and household objects.
Usually unnecessary when referring to ivory as a mass material; used for separate ivory objects, carvings, or distinct works.
"The collection included several finely carved ivories."
Ivory preserves an ancient chain of borrowing: it entered English through Old French from the Latin word ebur, the name for the material prized from elephant tusks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ivory come from?
The English word comes through Middle English forms such as ivorie, from Anglo-French ivorie. That form was borrowed from Latin eboreus, an adjective meaning ivory-like or made of ivory, which developed from the Latin noun ebur, meaning ivory. Latin ebur is the source of the word’s familiar ivory vocabulary, while English also developed related forms such as ivories and ivoried.
Related word forms
How ivory is actually used
When referring to the material, ivory is normally an uncountable noun. The adjective commonly occurs before a noun, as in ivory sculpture, ivory skin, or ivory-colored walls. In the figurative expression ivory tower, it refers to an insulated, detached, or overly academic world.