truffle

American  

[truhf-uhl, troo-fuhl] / ˈtrʌf əl, ˈtru fəl /

noun

• truffles
  plural

1. any of several subterranean, edible, ascomycetous fungi of the genus Tuber.

2. any of various similar fungi of other genera.

3. a candy made of soft chocolate, shaped into a ball and dusted with cocoa, or sometimes a three-layered cube of light and dark chocolate.

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truffle British  

/ ˈtrʌfəl /

noun

1. Also called: earthnut.  any of various edible saprotrophic ascomycetous subterranean fungi of the European genus Tuber . They have a tuberous appearance and are regarded as a delicacy

2. Also called: rum truffle.  a sweet resembling this fungus in shape, flavoured with chocolate or rum

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• truffled
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• truffles
  plural

Etymology

Origin of truffle

First recorded in 1585–95; from Dutch truffel(e), from Middle French truffle, truffe, from Old Provençal trufa, from Late Latin tūfer (unrecorded), tūfera, probably from an Osco-Umbrian cognate of Latin tūber tuber ¹

Explanation

Use the noun truffle when you're talking about a fancy French mushroom or a certain type of rich, fancy chocolate. Try not to combine the two types of truffles in the same dish! The rare and delicious fungus known as a truffle has a distinct, savory taste that's loved by many people. There are several different types of truffles, the most popular of which are white truffles and black truffles. Both are gathered with the help of specially trained pigs and dogs that can easily smell them. The chocolate delicacy also known as a truffle was named in the 1920's for its resemblance to the round, often dark brown fungus.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

truffle truffles

Fun fact: The movie’s director, Michael Sarnoski, loves a prickly hero: He also made “Pig,” which stars Nicolas Cage as a gruff truffle hunter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

Caviar and truffle prices are skyrocketing, forcing Tirel to cut corners while clinging to his restaurant’s former glory.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2026

Afterward, fresh truffle, French bread, cheese and plenty of wine are the reward.

From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026

Hundreds of pounds of caviar, black truffle, sushi and tomahawk steak have been shipped to Hollywood for the traditional lavish Oscars after-party this Sunday.

From Barron's ● Mar. 11, 2026

I stood there and handed him a chocolate truffle.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

It carries enough bright acid to pair with grilled meats and creamy pasta sauces, enough earthiness to complement mushrooms and truffles and a savoriness that plays well with roasted veggies and herb-heavy dishes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

The immediate answer is that several of next year’s Academy Award nominees are starting their long Oscar seasons at the splendid opening-night banquet where truffles adorned both the sea bass and the ice cream.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

And if it’s truffles you still seek for your soulmate, I’d suggest complementing the bonbons with a bottle of truffle oil — for under $25.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 27, 2026

Glasses of Champagne, truffles, gold leaf and caviar decorate the poached blue lobster and A5 Miyazaki beef tenderloin dishes here.

From Salon ● Dec. 27, 2025

I sink to my knees, sobs racking my entire body as I try desperately to pick up the truffles, one by one.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott