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“Pearl” or “Purl”

pearl / purl are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

pearl p·ER·l

  • nouna smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel.
  • verbgather pearls, from oysters in the ocean.

purl

  • noungold or silver wire thread.
  • nouna basic knitting stitch.
  • verbknit with a purl stitch.
  • verbedge or border with gold or silver embroidery.
  • verbembroider with gold or silver thread.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“pearl”

  • …in 1941, enlisting right after Pearl Harbor, and served in the…
  • …at Bokoni sites are sorghum, pearl millet, and maize.
  • …Chains, The Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam.
  • Song of the Pearl (1976)
  • …Rachel Hetherington, Se Ri Pak, Pearl Sinn.
  • …United States Navy right after Pearl Harbor attack.
  • Pearl White (US, JP, 2004)
  • Toys 'R' Us Pearl Green (US, 2004)
  • Arrived Pearl Harbor 24 August, the ship…
  • …the Jungle, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Blue Crush, The…

“purl”

  • Persistent uniform resource locator (PURL)

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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