mushroom

noun

mush·room | \ ˈməsh-ˌrüm

, -ˌru̇m; chiefly Northern and Midland US -ˌrün; dialectal ˈmə-shə-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m, -ˌrün\

Definition of mushroom

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : an enlarged complex aboveground fleshy fruiting body of a fungus (such as a basidiomycete) that consists typically of a stem bearing a pileus especially : one that is edible

b : fungus

2 : upstart

3 : something resembling a mushroom

mushroom

verb

mushroomed; mushrooming; mushrooms

Definition of mushroom (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to well up and spread out laterally from a central source

b : to become enlarged or extended : grow

2 : to collect wild mushrooms

3 : to spring up suddenly or multiply rapidly

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about mushroom

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Examples of mushroom in a Sentence

Noun

cut up some mushrooms for the salad

Verb

Interest in local history is suddenly mushrooming. Her hobby mushroomed into a thriving business. He goes mushrooming in the spring every year.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Sophie wrote alongside a photo of a cluster of mushrooms growing in Redwood National Park. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Luke Perry Was Reportedly Buried in a Biodegradable Mushroom Suit," 4 May 2019 Among the starters are a honeynut squash and goat cheese salad with apples and spiced pepitas; and diners can enjoy their turkey either roasted, in a pot pie, or braised with a side of brandied mushroom risotto. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "Where to Dine Out for a Traditional-ish Thanksgiving Meal in New York City," 14 Nov. 2018 Known for its ingestible adaptogens (super-power plants said to boost mood and fight inflammation), this California company’s beauty products employ the power of mushrooms to smooth and plump skin. — Olivia Hall, The Seattle Times, "Overstressed? 15 wellness trends to help you relax," 3 July 2018 Law enforcement seized 230 grams of heroin, 140 grams of methamphetamine and 30 grams of mushrooms, police said. — Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Anchorage police, other agencies made dozens of arrests in joint operation this week," 22 June 2018 The Kinoko noodle soup, full of mushrooms, is particularly savory, one of those meals that leaves a body feeling benevolent and warmed. — Jonathan Kauffman, SFChronicle.com, "The Mission’s best vegetarian-friendly restaurants," 17 June 2018 Lunch and supper, meanwhile, consist of three-course meals and may include dishes like pork loin or mushroom risotto, followed by desserts such as cheesecake, fresh fruit platters or a selection of cheese. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, "Inside the Hospital Where Kate Middleton Is Delivering the Royal Baby," 23 Apr. 2018 For entrees, expect mushroom risotto; whole, bone-in branzino piccata; veal porterhouse saltimbocca with Fontina polenta, prosciutto, and sage; and more. — Devra First, BostonGlobe.com, "Grassona’s Italian: so old-school it’s new again," 29 Mar. 2018 Share grilled salmon in Champagne sauce with sauteed vegetables and an order of mushroom risotto. — Linda Bladholm, miamiherald, "Brazilians feel at home at this downtown restaurant with all the tasty favorites | Miami Herald," 8 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Augmentation teams are typically deployed before a situation has mushroomed into a crisis. — Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, "Marines reinforce U.S. compounds as violence flares after Trump moves embassy to Jerusalem," 14 May 2018 The office also is expected to hire more staff to deal with mushrooming demand for records, the person said. — Rebecca Ballhaus, WSJ, "Trump Likely to Face Aggressive Oversight From House Democrats," 7 Nov. 2018 Explosion of the ‘Cons As San Diego’s Comic-Con has steadily mushroomed in size and popularity over the years so, too, has the sheer number of comics-centric conventions around the U.S. and the world. — Lori Weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "No Marvel or HBO? No big deal, San Diego Comic-Con observers say," 25 June 2018 Once a fringe home accoutrement favored by eco-conscious consumers, solar does appear poised to mushroom as costs come down and homeowners welcome reduced utility bills. — Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, "Burning for Tesla Powerwall? Get ready to wait as Musk's solar vision takes a backseat to Model 3," 13 July 2018 Image As educational debt continues to mushroom, younger workers often have to choose between paying off their student loans and saving for retirement. — Ann Carrns, New York Times, "To Draw Workers, Employers Offer to Help With Student Loans," 26 June 2018 The Air Force issued an apology Thursday for a tweet that linked a bloody Taliban attack in Afghanistan with a viral Internet meme that mushroomed in the past few days under the hashtag #YannyLaurel. — Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, "Air Force says it’s sorry about linking the viral Yanny vs. Laurel debate and a Taliban attack," 17 May 2018 Laurie Anderson and Laura Ortman played bright, arcing lines on their violins as the electronic musician Jad Atoui made slow, mushrooming palls underneath. — Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, "John Zorn’s Club the Stone Begins a New Life on the Other Side of Town," 27 Feb. 2018 Others simply continued golfing as an apocalyptic cloud mushroomed behind them, The Washington Post’s Amy B Wang wrote. — Kristine Phillips, Washington Post, "Four residents airlifted, dozens more structures destroyed by lava on Hawaii’s Big Island," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mushroom.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near mushroom

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Last Updated

12 May 2019

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Time Traveler for mushroom

The first known use of mushroom was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for mushroom

mushroom

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mushroom

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a fungus that is shaped like an umbrella especially : one that can be eaten

mushroom

verb

English Language Learners Definition of mushroom (Entry 2 of 2)

: to increase or develop very quickly

: to collect wild mushrooms

See the full definition for mushroom in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mushroom

noun

mush·room | \ ˈməsh-ˌrüm

, -ˌru̇m\

Kids Definition of mushroom

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a part of a fungus that bears spores, grows above ground, and suggests an umbrella in shape

mushroom

verb

mushroomed; mushrooming

Kids Definition of mushroom (Entry 2 of 2)

: to appear or develop suddenly or increase rapidly The town's population has mushroomed.

mushroom

noun

mush·room | \ ˈməsh-ˌrüm

, -ˌru̇m

Medical Definition of mushroom

1 : an enlarged complex fleshy fruiting body of a fungus (as most basidiomycetes) that arises from an underground mycelium and consists typically of a stem bearing a spore-bearing structure especially : one that is edible — compare toadstool

2 : fungus sense 1