1. small glossy shells of marine gastropod mollusks, often brightly colored and used historically as currency or for decoration

Examples

• The museum displayed ancient cowries that were once used as money in Africa.
• She collected colorful cowries from the beach during her vacation.
• Traders used cowries as currency along the Silk Road for centuries.
• The necklace was decorated with small white cowries and glass beads.
• Cowries were highly valued in many ancient civilizations for their beauty and durability.
• The anthropologist studied how cowries facilitated trade between distant cultures.