truffle

[ truhf-uhl, troo-fuhl ]

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.

truffle

/ ˈtrʌfəl /

noun

1. Also calledearthnut 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 calledrum truffle a sweet resembling this fungus in shape, flavoured with chocolate or rum

Other Words From

• truffled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of truffle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of truffle¹

C16: from French truffe , from Old Provençal trufa , ultimately from Latin tūber

Example Sentences

The Chicken Katli has thin slivers of chicken and on top is truffle.

From Salon

I must say, it’s a pretty rich truffle hunt.

From Salon

Puck’s Estate Truffles are double the size of the average truffle, a recent press release revealed.

From Salon

There are also jobs for truffle hunters, "wine whisperers" and wombat walkers willing to take the marsupials "on their morning waddle".

From BBC

Durian is to fruit what truffles are to mushrooms: Pound for pound, the fruit has become one of the most expensive on the planet.

From New York Times