tortoiseshell

American  

[tawr-tuhs-shel] / ˈtɔr təsˌʃɛl /

noun

1. a horny substance of a mottled brown and yellow coloration, composing the laminae that cover the inner body plates of the carapace of certain tortoises or turtles, especially the hawksbill, used for making combs and ornamental articles, inlaying, etc.

2. any synthetic substance made to look like natural tortoiseshell.

3. Also tortoiseshell butterfly any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, as N. californica, having variegated markings of red, yellow, or orange on the wings.

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adjective

1. mottled or variegated like tortoiseshell, especially with yellow and brown and sometimes other colors.

2. made of tortoiseshell.

tortoiseshell British  

/ ˈtɔːtəsˌʃɛl /

noun

1. a horny translucent yellow-and-brown mottled substance obtained from the outer layer of the shell of the hawksbill turtle: used for making ornaments, jewellery, etc

2. a similar synthetic substance, esp plastic or celluloid, now more widely used than the natural product

3. a breed of domestic cat, usually female, having black, cream, and brownish markings

4. any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, and related genera, having orange-brown wings with black markings

5. another name for hawksbill turtle

6. 1. a yellowish-brown mottled colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a tortoiseshell décor

7. (modifier) made of tortoiseshell

   a tortoiseshell comb

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Etymology

Origin of tortoiseshell

First recorded in 1595–1605; tortoise + shell

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tortoiseshell

Near her home in eastern Denmark, the aspiring lepidopterist has an early victory when she spots a small tortoiseshell butterfly, “brick red, with cream and black spots.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

In recent weeks there have been a flurry of sightings of the large tortoiseshell in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.

From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026

The white-and-brown animal stands fish-eyed and proud beside Ebsen, who wears a subtly glamorous ensemble of bell-bottom jeans, dark V-neck tee, and tortoiseshell Prada sunglasses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2025

Scientists have long been fascinated by tortoiseshell and calico cats: the offspring of a black cat and an orange cat.

From Science Magazine ● Nov. 27, 2024

She still wore the pretty tortoiseshell comb, and Ophie’s only idea was to find a way to take it out.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

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