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

What Happens Now With these latest close-up images, BepiColombo has not only provided a treasure trove of data for scientists but also expanded our understanding of Mercury, a planet that remains one of the most enigmatic in our solar system. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

The same threat intel outlet, however, is a treasure trove of awareness opportunities for consumers looking to protect themselves from the latest threats. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Her extended family also became a treasure trove of memories to fashion into the film. —Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

In fact, that May podcast game was a veritable treasure trove of bad Nathaniel takes. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025

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.