truffle

American  

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

noun

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

• truffled adjective

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

Example Sentences

Accompanied by specially-trained truffle dogs, foodies get dirt under their nails as they dig for these stinky “black diamonds.”

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

He and I will share two orders of fries, actually — one regular and one truffle.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 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 stood there and handed him a chocolate truffle.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly