truffle
Americannoun
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any of several subterranean, edible, ascomycetous fungi of the genus Tuber.
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any of various similar fungi of other genera.
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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.
noun
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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
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Also called: rum truffle. a sweet resembling this fungus in shape, flavoured with chocolate or rum
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing truffle
Pie Chart: Dessert Words
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Charlotte's Web
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for January 14–January 20, 2023
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I really like the grilled lion’s mane steak, their mushroom steak with truffle potatoes, or the scallopini Milanese, that has a chicken or tofu option.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 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
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
“I know how to clean. I don’t know how to make butternut squash risotto with truffle sauce and fried gouda cheese.”
From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
