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.
Truffle hunting is arguably the most in-demand foraging experience for European travelers.
From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026
That boss’s name is Thomas Truffle, Esq., and he’s our family dog.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025
A purchase of $10.40 or more at the New York-based restaurant chain can get you a free Black Truffle Burger, Black Truffle ’Shroom or Black Truffle Parmesan Fries.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025
The Black Truffle Mustard from Mustard and Co. is recommended to pair with soft-boiled eggs or as part of a cheese and charcuterie plate.
From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2023
Truffle belongs to the family of the Mushroom.
From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)
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.
