truffle

noun

truf·​fle ˈtrə-fəl How to pronounce truffle (audio) ˈtrü- How to pronounce truffle (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 While hotel dinners are not usually my first choice in a great food city like Amsterdam, the leafy setting of the Garden Terrace made an evening of truffle flatbreads and scallop carpaccio worth staying in. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 The glossy domed bun, truffle aioli and wagyu beef helped elevate the burger above standard pub fare. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 July 2026 In the center, a cluster of tortellini lounged in a pool of truffle-flecked butter sauce. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for truffle

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of truffle was in 1591

Rhymes for truffle

See All Rhymes for truffle

Browse Nearby Words

Truffaut
truffle
truffled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Truffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truffle. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

truffle

noun
truf·​fle ˈtrəf-əl How to pronounce truffle (audio) ˈtrüf- How to pronounce truffle (audio)
: the dark or light wrinkled fruiting body of a European fungus that grows in the ground
also : a fungus that produces truffles

More from Merriam-Webster on truffle

Nglish: Translation of truffle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about truffle

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