pearly white

noun

1. white and lustrous as a pearl.
2. pearly whites, Slang. teeth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pearly white¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

“All Is Flux” is particularly abstract and fluid-looking, an inky black and pearly white photogram depicting a stream of water flowing across still water in a tray.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The pearly white is classy and elegant against our blue skies.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times