truffle

noun

truf·​fle ˈtrə-fəl  ˈtrü- 

1

a

: the dark or light edible subterranean fruiting body of several European ascomycetous fungi (especially genus Tuber)

also : any of various similar fruiting bodies of related fungi

b

: a fungus that produces truffles

2

: a candy made of chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes liqueur shaped into balls and often coated with cocoa

Examples of truffle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Find chocolate lipstick and other novelty edibles alongside more approachable pralines and truffles (boxes from €19). —Nina Siegal, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

According to the menu, guests can expect oysters, lobster, caviar, truffles, and more. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 28 Dec. 2024

Course Couse is offering a 10-course luxurious menu, including lobster, truffles, caviar, king crab and A5 Wagyu with an optional wine pairing. —Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 26 Dec. 2024

High-brow: Bingo lead by Casa Teresa chef Ruben Garcia — who, in addition to games and live Spanish music, serves a family-style tasting menu with caviar, oysters, jamon Iberico, foie gras, truffles, and porrons (starting at $125). —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French truffe, from Old Occitan trufa, from Vulgar Latin *tufera; akin to Latin tuber swelling, truffle — more at tuber

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

truffle

noun

truf·​fle ˈtrəf-əl  ˈtrüf- 

: the dark or light wrinkled fruiting body of a European fungus that grows in the ground

also : a fungus that produces truffles