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

While some consumers are experimenting with more decadent burger toppings such as truffle aioli, foie gras, goat cheese or caviar, the classics — cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and onion — are still the most popular, as of a 2021 YouGov survey. —Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

These are also the best seasons for Umbrian food, with fresh truffles and seasonal produce at their peak. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026

The beef fillet with wild mushroom gratin and autumn black truffle is the stand-out – but take care. —Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026

Reserve a table by the railing and splurge on steakhouse dishes like bone marrow beef tartare, A5 wagyu tenderloin, and truffle tagliatelle. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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

Rhymes for truffle

• duffel
• duffle
• muffle
• ruffle
• scuffle
• shuffle
• reshuffle

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