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Synonyms

pearly white

American  

noun

  1. white and lustrous as a pearl.

  2. Slang. pearly whites, teeth.


Etymology

Origin of pearly white

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The school’s new superintendent, Michael Borgschulte, an amiable lieutenant general with a Bronze Star and a pearly white set of teeth, steps onto the bandstand.

From Slate Jun. 24, 2026

An ancient Egyptian recipe for teeth cleanser relies on "salt, pepper, mint, and dried iris flower" to keep the pearly whites pearly white, while medieval Britons relied on "honey, salt, and rye flour."

From Salon Oct. 29, 2023

On rainy nights on the verdant coastal plains outside Rio de Janeiro, groups of tree frogs sometimes gather around the pearly white flowers of the milk fruit tree.

From Scientific American May 6, 2023

Dicentra ‘Langtrees’, with vigorous gray-green leaves and pearly white flowers, is a compact form that goes summer-dormant.

From Seattle Times Mar. 4, 2023

She smiled hugely, baring her pearly white teeth in what could only be called a wolfish grin.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

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