tortoiseshell
1 of 2noun
tor·toise·shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel 
-əsh-ˌshel
1
: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2
or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black
tortoiseshell
2 of 2adjective
1
: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring
tortoiseshell glasses
2
: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Aug. 2022 Finish it all off with Juvee Sun tortoiseshell specs from Garrett Leight for that perfect I’m-on-holiday look. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 July 2022 Also Julia, a low-key tortoiseshell who was becoming one with a basket near the window. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2022 Male tortoiseshell cats are born with an extra X chromosome. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 8 June 2022 The Duke of Cambridge, for his part, looked dapper in a gray and white check suit with a baby blue button-down, and navy tie, as well as a cool pair of tortoiseshell shades. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 5 July 2022 Robert is warm and voluble, with a fringe of steel-gray hair and baggy jeans; Michelle, who is sixty, is more of a fashion plate, in leather boots and hip tortoiseshell glasses. Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, 13 June 2022 Throughout the platinum jubilee celebrations, Zara Tindall has been photographed wearing a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, which are believed to be from the brand illesteva. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 5 June 2022 Celine tortoiseshell sunglasses, a white T-shirt, and blue jeans. Douglas Greenwood, Vogue, 26 May 2022 Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 17 Aug. 2022 Her accessories included tortoiseshell sunglasses and a beige leather shoulder bag from The Row. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 July 2022 The tortoiseshell finish gives it a modern and cool look. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 June 2022 And outside of the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's on Friday, Zara was spotted wearing the tortoiseshell style with her bright pink dress. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 5 June 2022 The latest version is available in four distinct frames, including white, tortoiseshell, and burgundy with a handful of beautiful lens options. Mike Richard, Men's Health, 17 May 2022 Meanwhile, Kate recently broke out a similar tortoiseshell pair while in The Bahamas last March. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 10 Apr. 2022 There are also tortoiseshell eyeglasses and a pair of reading glasses in a black and gold case. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2022 One person responsible for that is Will Schwarz, a white man in his 70s with white hair and tortoiseshell glasses who serves as the founder and president of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project. Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2022 See More
Noun
Her Mary Janes are made in small batches in Argentina, with tortoiseshell buckles to contrast the heavy-duty utility of the soles. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Aug. 2022 Finish it all off with Juvee Sun tortoiseshell specs from Garrett Leight for that perfect I’m-on-holiday look. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 July 2022 Also Julia, a low-key tortoiseshell who was becoming one with a basket near the window. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2022 Male tortoiseshell cats are born with an extra X chromosome. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 8 June 2022 The Duke of Cambridge, for his part, looked dapper in a gray and white check suit with a baby blue button-down, and navy tie, as well as a cool pair of tortoiseshell shades. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 5 July 2022 Robert is warm and voluble, with a fringe of steel-gray hair and baggy jeans; Michelle, who is sixty, is more of a fashion plate, in leather boots and hip tortoiseshell glasses. Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, 13 June 2022 Throughout the platinum jubilee celebrations, Zara Tindall has been photographed wearing a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, which are believed to be from the brand illesteva. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 5 June 2022 Celine tortoiseshell sunglasses, a white T-shirt, and blue jeans. Douglas Greenwood, Vogue, 26 May 2022 Adjective
This best-selling pair features a tortoiseshell color that will work well with practically any wardrobe. Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 17 Aug. 2022 Her accessories included tortoiseshell sunglasses and a beige leather shoulder bag from The Row. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 July 2022 The tortoiseshell finish gives it a modern and cool look. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 June 2022 And outside of the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's on Friday, Zara was spotted wearing the tortoiseshell style with her bright pink dress. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 5 June 2022 The latest version is available in four distinct frames, including white, tortoiseshell, and burgundy with a handful of beautiful lens options. Mike Richard, Men's Health, 17 May 2022 Meanwhile, Kate recently broke out a similar tortoiseshell pair while in The Bahamas last March. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 10 Apr. 2022 There are also tortoiseshell eyeglasses and a pair of reading glasses in a black and gold case. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2022 One person responsible for that is Will Schwarz, a white man in his 70s with white hair and tortoiseshell glasses who serves as the founder and president of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project. Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing tortoiseshell
Kids Definition
tortoiseshell
noun
tor·toise·shell ˈtȯr-təs-ˌshel
1
: a hard brown and yellow material that covers the shell of a sea tortoise used especially in the past for ornamental objects
2
: a brightly colored butterfly