ivory-white

The artist mixes an ivory-white paint on her palette.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • A pale, creamy white color: "ivory-white" describes a shade of white that resembles the color of elephant tusks or other animal ivory. It is slightly yellowish or creamy, not a pure, stark white.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The wedding dress was a beautiful ivory-white, complementing her skin tone perfectly. (The dress was a pale, creamy white.)
  • The piano keys were made of ivory-white material, giving them a classic look. (The keys had a creamy white appearance.)

Advanced Usage

• "ivory-white complexion": a term used to describe fair skin with a subtle, warm undertone.

  • She had an ivory-white complexion that was often admired. (Her skin was pale with a creamy hue.)

• "ivory-white teeth": teeth that are naturally or artificially colored to a bright, off-white shade.

  • The actor’s smile showed off his perfectly aligned, ivory-white teeth. (His teeth were a pale, creamy white.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ivory (n): a hard, white material from animal tusks, used for carving and decorative objects.

  • The antique statue was carved from ivory. (The statue was made from the hard, white material.)

• Ivory (adj): having the color of ivory; often used interchangeably with "ivory-white."

  • The walls were painted an ivory shade. (The walls were a pale, creamy white.)

Synonyms

• Cream: a pale yellow-white color.
• Off-white: a white color with a slight tint of yellow or gray.
• Ecru: a light grayish-yellow or beige color.

Related Idioms

• Tickled ivory: an informal idiom meaning to play the piano (often used in jazz or blues contexts).

  • The musician was known for tickling the ivory with great skill. (He played the piano expertly.)

• Ivory tower: a state of privileged seclusion or separation from practical concerns.

  • The professor lived in an ivory tower, disconnected from real-world problems. (He was isolated from everyday life.)