treasure trove

noun

1

: treasure that anyone finds

specifically : gold or silver in the form of money, plate, or bullion which is found hidden and whose ownership is not known

2

: a valuable discovery, resource, or collection

Synonyms

• argosy
• cornucopia
• gold mine
• mine
• mother lode
• wellspring

Examples of treasure trove in a Sentence

Divers found a treasure trove of gold and silver in the wreckage of a ship that sank hundreds of years ago.

the ancient city, having been almost perfectly preserved under volcanic ash for nearly 2,000 years, is proving to be a treasure trove of archaeological information

Recent Examples on the Web

This treasure trove of data offers investors valuable insights into potential price movements. —Leeor Shimron, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

There’s a treasure trove of humorous tales behind the show’s location shoots. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024

This 83-song collection is a veritable treasure trove for Mitchell devotees. —George Varga, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024

The treasure trove about this early star includes material of particular interest to researchers into LGBTQ+ culture and history. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French tresor trové, literally, found treasure

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

treasure trove

noun

-ˌtrōv

1

: treasure of unknown ownership found buried or hidden

2

: a valuable discovery

Legal Definition

treasure trove

noun

-ˈtrōv

: treasure that anyone finds

specifically : gold or silver in the form of money, plate, or bullion that is found hidden and whose ownership is not known

Note: State law determines who is entitled to a treasure trove.