B2nounenvironmentnature
US/ˈaɪ.vər.i/
UK/ˈaɪ.vər.i/
the hard, cream-white material of elephant tusks, used in the past to make jewelry and ornaments
In context
Many countries have banned the sale of ivory to protect elephants.
Customs officers found a large amount of ivory hidden inside a shipment of furniture.
The old piano keys were made of ivory, not plastic.
Words that go with ivory
adjective + noun
- illegal ivoryPolice seized two tons of illegal ivory at the port.
- carved ivoryThe museum owns a collection of carved ivory from the 1800s.
noun + noun
- ivory tradeThe ivory trade has pushed elephants close to extinction in some areas.
- ivory poachingIvory poaching has fallen since the new laws came into force.
verb + noun
- ban ivoryThe government decided to ban ivory sales across the country.
- smuggle ivoryGangs smuggle ivory from Africa to buyers in Asia.
noun + preposition
- demand for ivoryDemand for ivory keeps the illegal market alive.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The ivories are sold illegally.Correct: Ivory is sold illegally.