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

At Dyletanci, the tasting menu features typical ingredients—horseradish, beets, kohlrabi, mushrooms, and trout—presented in the form of new and inventive dishes, highlighted by global influences like saffron, Roquefort, and truffle. —Teddy Minford, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

In Wilmington, North Carolina, Sugo Italian Steakhouse combines Italian-American classics with premium cuts, including in-house aged ribeyes and indulgent enhancements like truffle butter or lobster tails. —Liz Schubauer, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025

More than two dozen fudge flavors are offered including raspberry truffle, orange truffle, vanilla salted caramel and chocolate toffee. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Additionally, guests may enjoy bespoke onshore experiences and curated moments such as truffle hunting in the Italian Piedmont or stargazing in Saint Lucia. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

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