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Pearls Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pearls

[pɜːrlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

jewelry

Pearls are hard, shiny objects produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. They are valued as gemstones and are often used in jewelry.

Synonyms

bead, gem, jewel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pearls

Commonly referred to in the context of jewelry. Suitable for describing classic, elegant items made from the sea.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace of pearls
  • The bracelet was adorned with tiny pearls
gem

Refers to a mineral or gemstone that is cut and polished for use in jewelry. Used when emphasizing rarity and high value.

  • The ring featured a stunning blue gem
  • She inherited a precious gem from her grandmother
jewel

A general term for any precious stone or piece of jewelry. Often used to describe items of significant beauty and value.

  • The queen's crown was filled with jewels
  • He gifted her a box of fine jewels
bead

Typically used to describe small, usually round objects that are threaded on a string or wire. Often found in arts and crafts, as well as in some types of jewelry.

  • He crafted a bracelet using colorful beads
  • The children enjoyed making bead necklaces

Examples of usage

  • She wore a beautiful necklace adorned with pearls.
  • The earrings were made of exquisite pearls.
Context #2 | Noun

quality

Pearls also refer to something rare, fine, admirable, and valuable, especially in terms of appearance or character.

Synonyms

gem, jewel, treasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pearls

Use 'pearls' to refer to small, round, smooth precious stones found inside the shells of oysters or similar mollusks. Often associated with elegance and sophistication, especially in jewelry.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls.
  • The bride's earrings had delicate pearls that matched her gown.
gem

Suitable for referring to a precious or semi-precious stone that has been cut and polished, often used in a more general sense and can be metaphorically used to describe someone or something valuable.

  • The museum had an impressive collection of rare gems.
  • Our new team member is a real gem; she's incredibly talented and hardworking.
treasure

Refers to a collection of valuable objects such as gold, silver, jewels, or anything considered valuable. Can also be used to describe something or someone highly cherished, valuable, or loved.

  • They discovered a hidden treasure buried in the backyard.
  • She holds the memories of her grandmother as a treasure in her heart.
jewel

More general term for a precious stone used in jewelry. Can also be used to describe something or someone that is very special or precious. Often implies high value and beauty.

  • The crown was adorned with jewels of all colors.
  • The island is considered the jewel of the Caribbean.

Examples of usage

  • Her wisdom, like pearls of great price, was sought after by many.
  • The book is full of literary pearls that captivate the reader.
Context #3 | Verb

speech

To pearl means to decorate or cover with small, round, shiny objects, often in a decorative pattern.

Synonyms

adorn, decorate, embellish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pearls

Typically used to refer to the precious gems in the context of jewelry or anything of great value. Pearls can also metaphorically represent something precious or rare.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls.
  • His words were pearls of wisdom.
decorate

Used in everyday language to describe the action of adding items or colors to improve the appearance of something, often related to interior design or special occasions.

  • We plan to decorate the house for Christmas.
  • He decorated the cake with colorful icing.
embellish

Often used to describe the act of adding extra details to make something more attractive or interesting. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies exaggeration or unnecessary details.

  • She likes to embellish her stories to make them more exciting.
  • The dress was embellished with lace and sequins.
adorn

Commonly used to describe the act of making something more attractive by adding decorative items. Usually used in a formal or poetic sense.

  • The hall was adorned with flowers and ribbons for the wedding.
  • She adorned herself with beautiful jewelry.

Examples of usage

  • The wedding dress was beautifully pearled with delicate beads.
  • The cake was pearled with edible silver balls.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Pearls have been highly valued for thousands of years; they were considered symbols of wealth and status in ancient Rome and Egypt.
  • The famous Pearl of Lao Tzu, found in the 12th century, is one of the largest natural pearls ever recorded – weighing about 14 ounces!

Art and Culture

  • In Renaissance paintings, pearls were often used to symbolize purity and status, appearing in portraits of royalty.
  • The phrase 'pearls before swine' originates from the Bible, meaning not to waste valuable things on those who won't appreciate them.

Science

  • Pearls are created by mollusks as a defense mechanism against irritants entering their shell, forming layers of nacre to soothe the irritation.
  • There are different types of pearls, including natural, cultured, and freshwater, each varying in quality and appearance based on how they are formed.

Economics

  • The global pearl industry is valued in the billions, with South Sea and Tahitian pearls being among the most sought after.
  • Historically, pearls were so rare that they were used as currency and were traded during ancient times.

Origin of 'pearls'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pearl' comes from the Latin 'perla', which is thought to be derived from the term for a small round object.
  • In Old English, the term used was 'perle', highlighting the long history of the word in different cultures.

The word 'pearl' comes from the Old French 'perle' and the Latin 'perna', meaning 'leg'. This is because of the shape of a mollusk's shell being similar to a leg-of-mutton sleeve. Pearls have been treasured for their beauty and rarity for centuries, often symbolizing purity and elegance. They have been used in jewelry and adornment by various cultures throughout history.

See also: pearl.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,341, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.