Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Plural form of ivory.
  • noun plurale tantum The keys of a piano.
  • noun plurale tantum The teeth.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The ivories are the final items on display, so visitors leave the show with their story in mind.

    TIME.com: Top Stories 2011

  • StephenAtHome I've been known to tickle the ivories, which is why I'm not allowed near the elephants at the zoo.

    All Things Go 2010

  • With the most engaging grin you can imagine, (and straightest 'ivories', too), Joey says: "I can't wait to get started."

    Dr. Cara Barker: Prescription For Change: How To Date Without Going Online 2008

  • Pushing back the coin and dice box, William proposed another throw, which was smilingly consented to by the "child of Fortune," and grasping the box, the Bard clicked the "ivories" and flung on the table three aces, which by the rule of the game, gave all the coin to the "Royal" dealer.

    Shakspere, Personal Recollections John A. Joyce

  • He was a full-grown and rather large negro, as black as charcoal, with a splendid tier of "ivories;" and with eyeballs, pupil and irides excepted, as white as his teeth.

    The Quadroon Adventures in the Far West Mayne Reid 1850

  • a free negro, with a shining black face, a thick full mop, and a set of the best "ivories," which were almost always uncovered in a smile.

    The Hunters' Feast Conversations Around the Camp Fire Mayne Reid 1850

  • My place has like 20 seats, very cozy and the woman who was tickling the ivories and signing was doing some bluesy-balad-y stuff not raucous rock and roll.

    Archive 2009-11-01 2009

  • Will the pianist be sober when she hits the ivories?

    Theater review of 'Sanctified' at the Lincoln Theatre Celia Wren 2010

  • Watch the video below -- an outtake of our interviewwith Westergren -- to watch himtinkle the ivories of his classic 1970s era Fender Rhodes electric piano.

    One More Chorus with Pandora's Tim Westergren 2010

  • My place has like 20 seats, very cozy and the woman who was tickling the ivories and signing was doing some bluesy-balad-y stuff not raucous rock and roll.

    People Ain't Raised Right 2009

Comments

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  • Tinkle the ivories, if you can.

    March 23, 2011

  • Tickle, tickle.

    May 29, 2012