Shell of moderate size for the genus, ovately conic, widest near middle; spire regularly enlarging from a minutely projecting subglobose tip; whorls about 6,5; earlier postnuclear whorls flat-sided, final whorl evenly-convex; suture narrowly and rather deeply channeled under the roof'like overhang of the whorl below. Aperture ample, rather less than 3/5 as high as the shell, widest below, acutely pointed above; outer lip thin, sharp, rounding abruptly into the short open canal; internal lirations lacking; upper projection of aperture leading into the sutural channel over a narrow submerged shelf-like callus, which outwardly has the appearance of a whitish commissure-like transverse bridge connecting the two walls; parietal callus extending from superior suture to base of shell, especially thickened parietally and again in its lower portion just outside the raised 'pillar structure" from which it is set off by a deep groove; columella nearly straight, moderately twisted at the canal, variably plicate throughout with major emphasis on the terminal folds, the uppermost of which is continuous with the bounding ridge. Siphonal fasciole wide, smooth except for a narrow spiral ridge above the center which divides it into two areas. Color commonly a light dove-gray, often paling to white above the suture, just below which a light yellowish band is sometimes evident on the body-whorl, this whorl also usually marked by varyingly distinct axial zig-zag light brown lines; heavier calluses white except for a patch of brown in the apertural angle; lower section of fasciole stained with brown. Alt. of holotype 17.8, max. diam. 7.2, alt. aperture 10.3 mm.

TypeLocaltiy: Magdalena Bay, Baja California. C. R. Orcutt, Mar. 1917.

Comparisons: The only previously described Olivella with which O. cymatilis appears to require particular comparison is O. (D.) anazora (Due los). From this the shells of the present species find ready separation by their more robust form, lower spire, paler color, finer and more distinct zig-zag lineation, and complete lack of interior liration.