1. a small, glossy sea shell with a smooth, oval shape, often used as currency or decoration in various cultures

Examples

• The museum displayed ancient cowrie shells that were once used as money in Africa.
• She collected beautiful cowrie shells along the tropical beach.
• Traders used cowrie shells as a form of currency for centuries.
• The necklace was decorated with small white cowrie shells.
• Cowrie shells were highly valued in traditional trade networks.
• The artist incorporated cowrie shells into her sculpture design.