English · Word Candidate

ivory

/ˈaɪv(ə)ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.

Noun

Examples

“Leave the ivory!” he cried. “Leave the ivory! Dead men have no use for ivory!” Some of the Manyuema started to lay down their loads, but this was altogether too much for the avaricious Arabs.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A creamy white color, the color of ivory.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Made of ivory.

Adjective

Examples

Men that I knew around Wapatomac didn't wear high, shiny plug hats, nor yeller spring overcoats, nor carry canes with ivory heads as big as a catboat's anchor, as you might say.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Resembling or having the colour of ivory.

Adjective

Examples

The walls and ceiling of this drawing-room in Montague Square are painted ivory.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “ivory” mean?

The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.

Is “ivory” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.