Definition

Adjective: - Having a bright, pure, and slightly lustrous white color, similar to the appearance of a pearl.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe something that is a very clean, bright white, often with a subtle shine or iridescent quality reminiscent of a pearl's surface. It is most commonly applied to teeth.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She flashed a pearly-white smile.
  • The dentist promised to restore his pearly-white teeth.
  • The seashell had a beautiful pearly-white interior.

Advanced Usage

• "pearly white" (noun phrase): Often used informally, especially in plural form ("pearly whites"), as a noun to refer directly to teeth.
  • He showed off his pearly whites for the camera.

Variants and Related Words

• Pearly (adj): Resembling a pearl in luster or color.
  • The fabric had a pearly sheen.
• Pearlescent (adj): Having a lustrous, iridescent quality like that of a pearl.
  • The car paint was a pearlescent white.

Synonyms

• Bright white
• Ivory (though this can imply a slightly creamy or yellowish tint)
• Snow-white

Antonyms

• Yellowed
• Stained
• Discolored

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Pearly whites": A common, informal idiom referring to a person's teeth, especially when they are white and attractive.
  • Good dental hygiene helps you maintain your pearly whites.

Adjective

1. of a white the color of pearls