cowrie
noun
cow·rie ˈkau̇-rē 
variants or less commonly cowry
plural cowries
: any of various marine gastropods (family Cypraeidae) that are widely distributed in warm seas and have glossy and often brightly colored shells
also : the shell of a cowrie
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Once a form of currency in West Africa, the cowrie is now a symbol of abundance. 
Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 17 Aug. 2022 His suits are African-themed, covered in cowrie shells and beads, with an elaborate warrior-style mask that covers his face. Washington Post, 23 May 2022 This includes designs inspired by the landscapes of the Caribbean and natural objects such as leaves and cowrie shells. Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021 Miles of white beaches, dotted with sea-glass and sculptural cowrie shells, are edged with turquoise seas of brilliant hues. Angelina Villa-clarke, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021 But, whether beaded or wood, leopard motif or cowrie, Bamileke stools are impressively constructed, beautifully designed and will make any interior feel like it’s fit for a Fon. Jeanine Hays And Bryan Mason, House Beautiful, 24 Aug. 2021 Everyday objects had long served the same purpose, but coins were more durable than the cowrie shells of Africa and more portable than the fei stones of Micronesia, although less delicious than the cocoa seeds of Central America. Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 July 2021 Money was also a means of accounting for debts; easier still than using cowrie shells would be to take the grain now, get some notches on a tally stick, and later provide llamas, or grain, or whatever was promised to pay off the debt. James Mackintosh, WSJ, 4 July 2021 Her recurring use of cowrie shells, for instance—like on her Come & Go & Come hoops—traces back to her African heritage, and touches on an affirmation that has guided her throughout life. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2020 See More
Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 17 Aug. 2022 His suits are African-themed, covered in cowrie shells and beads, with an elaborate warrior-style mask that covers his face. Washington Post, 23 May 2022 This includes designs inspired by the landscapes of the Caribbean and natural objects such as leaves and cowrie shells. Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021 Miles of white beaches, dotted with sea-glass and sculptural cowrie shells, are edged with turquoise seas of brilliant hues. Angelina Villa-clarke, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021 But, whether beaded or wood, leopard motif or cowrie, Bamileke stools are impressively constructed, beautifully designed and will make any interior feel like it’s fit for a Fon. Jeanine Hays And Bryan Mason, House Beautiful, 24 Aug. 2021 Everyday objects had long served the same purpose, but coins were more durable than the cowrie shells of Africa and more portable than the fei stones of Micronesia, although less delicious than the cocoa seeds of Central America. Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 July 2021 Money was also a means of accounting for debts; easier still than using cowrie shells would be to take the grain now, get some notches on a tally stick, and later provide llamas, or grain, or whatever was promised to pay off the debt. James Mackintosh, WSJ, 4 July 2021 Her recurring use of cowrie shells, for instance—like on her Come & Go & Come hoops—traces back to her African heritage, and touches on an affirmation that has guided her throughout life. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Hindi & Urdu kauṛī
First Known Use
1662, in the meaning defined above