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

Sauces like Lemon Garlic Aioli and Spicy Chili Truffle will roll out under a new Minor’s Kitchen brand, inspired by an existing one for professional chefs, Nestlé said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

My favorite bites included a stuffed squab with farro, black trumpet mushroom relish, and huckleberry, as well as a whimsical dish called “The Truffle Hunt.”

From Salon • May 28, 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

The species Scleroderma vulgare is very common in woods, and has sometimes been mistaken for a form of Truffle.

From Student's Hand-book of Mushrooms of America, Edible and Poisonous by Taylor, Thomas