tortoiseshell

1 of 2

noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel How to pronounce tortoiseshell (audio)
-əsh-ˌshel
1
: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2
or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

tortoiseshell

2 of 2

adjective

1
: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring
tortoiseshell glasses
2
: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The expectant mom accessorized her daytime ensemble with brown tortoiseshell sunglasses and a large black and white tote bag, while her hair was styled into beachy waves. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 The dilute tortoiseshell calico is a rescue cat who has experienced a lot in her five years on Earth. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024 Animal: Marbles, a 1-year-old, 6-pound, female domestic shorthair cat with a muted tortoiseshell coat. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023 Available in everything from black to tortoiseshell to bright red, there’s a pair to match just about any mom’s style. Terri Peters, Parents, 9 Nov. 2023 That footage forms the basis for a virtual Sakamoto with the same neat silver mop of hair and round tortoiseshell eyeglasses as the living Sakamoto. Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2023 This front porch setting leans rustic, but accents of pewter, seasonal china, and even tortoiseshell flatware elevate the table. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2023 Made of lightweight plastic, the link chains measure 54 inches and come in black, lavender and tortoiseshell as well as in gold metal. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Sep. 2023 The brush is made of Italian acetate available in a range of patterns and colors like tortoiseshell, terrazzo, and pistachio. Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023
Adjective
For example, the luxe coat CBK is donning in this image is black, but her headband and sunglasses are tortoiseshell. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 17 Oct. 2022 The Telegraph reports: The tortoiseshell and white cat spends its days pacing from room to room, rarely spending any time with patients except those with just hours to live. Smriti Rao, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2010 Here, a simple black coat over a white tee is elevated with a pair of sleek frames, the warmth of her tortoiseshell headband, and her fuzzy scarf. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 17 Oct. 2022 Her accessories included a caramel-toned shoulder bag by Prada and a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses from British eyewear brand DMY. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Oct. 2022 Her mother was a housewife who, in the poems, sometimes wields a tortoiseshell hairbrush as a weapon of punishment. Sam Anderson, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2022 Accessories included tortoiseshell sunglasses from British eyewear brand DMY and a caramel-toned shoulder bag by Prada. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Oct. 2022 This best-selling pair features a tortoiseshell color that will work well with practically any wardrobe. Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 17 Aug. 2022 Her accessories included tortoiseshell sunglasses and a beige leather shoulder bag from The Row. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tortoiseshell was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near tortoiseshell

Cite this Entry

“Tortoiseshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortoiseshell. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tortoiseshell

1 of 2 noun
tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel How to pronounce tortoiseshell (audio)
-əsh-ˌshel
1
: a spotted hornlike substance that covers the shell of some turtles and is used especially formerly to make ornamental objects
2
: any of several showy butterflies

tortoiseshell

2 of 2 adjective
1
: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in spotted brown and yellow coloring
2
: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat that consists of patches of black, orange, and light yellow

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