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.
Curry truffle wins tussle as Ramen Rumble era comes to close, raising over $100K for Give Kids The World Village in 10-year run. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 Menu items will include jambalaya, truffle tenderloin steak and Louisiana-style braised short ribs, according to permitting documents. — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026 Entrees included lasagna and gnocchi scampi as well as fettuccine truffle and mushrooms, tagliatelle with zucchini and shrimp, rigatoni with fresh tomato and stracciactella and duck ragu cavatelli. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Once ruled by the House of Savoy, whose territory extended into France, Turin is now the capital of Piedmont, a region known for fine wine, truffles, hazelnuts, and chocolate. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about truffle

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