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

Shawn Sorrell’s makeshift recipe for cicadas stars truffle oil, sauteed sage and a cast iron skillet. —Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025

The mountain of fries exudes an air of luxury, threatening to spill from the top, showered in Parmesan cheese and smelling vaguely of truffles. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

Order the beef tartare, mac n cheese and the truffle fries. —Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025

The standout dish was also our first - the beef carpaccio is rolled at the table and features fresh arugula and chunks of artichoke, sprinkled with Parmesan and large slices of truffle. —George Koutsakis, Forbes.com, 3 July 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