puffball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (mushroom sense); Specialised/Technical (fashion sense).
Quick answer
What does “puffball” mean?
A type of round, soft fungus that releases a cloud of brown spores when broken open or disturbed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of round, soft fungus that releases a cloud of brown spores when broken open or disturbed.
1) (Fashion) A very full, round, and often short skirt made of gathered material. 2) (Informal, rare) Someone or something lacking substance or intellectual weight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core meaning. The fashion sense is used in both varieties. Spelling remains 'puffball'.
Connotations
Primarily neutral for the fungus. The fashion term connotes a playful, dramatic, or retro style.
Frequency
The botanical term is equally known in both regions among the general public. The fashion term is more frequent in specialised contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “puffball” in a Sentence
There is a puffball in the grass.She wore a puffball (skirt/dress).It puffed like a puffball.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “puffball” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fungus doesn't puffball; it's the action of the spores being released.
- (Not standard)
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She loved the puffball silhouette of the skirt.
American English
- The designer is known for her puffball gowns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail: 'The puffball silhouette is trending this season.'
Academic
Used in mycology/biology: 'The basidiospores of the puffball are dispersed aerially.'
Everyday
Discussing nature or fashion: 'The kids love to jump on puffballs to see the spores puff out.' / 'Her wedding dress had a vintage puffball skirt.'
Technical
Mycology and fashion design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “puffball”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “puffball”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “puffball”
- Confusing it with a 'dandelion clock' (which is also a puffball of seeds).
- Using 'puffball' for any round mushroom (it is a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Some species, like the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea), are edible when young and the interior is pure white and firm. However, correct identification is crucial to avoid poisonous look-alikes.
The fungus sense is moderately common, especially in nature contexts. The fashion sense is well-known within fashion but less common in general everyday talk.
A puffball does not have a traditional cap with gills or pores. Its spores develop internally, and are released through an opening or when the outer skin breaks.
Because its full, rounded, gathered shape resembles the spherical form of the puffball fungus.
A type of round, soft fungus that releases a cloud of brown spores when broken open or disturbed.
Puffball is usually informal (mushroom sense); specialised/technical (fashion sense). in register.
Puffball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʌf.bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʌf.bɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PUFF + BALL: Imagine a soft, round ball that PUFFs out a cloud of dust when you touch it.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHTNESS/INSUBSTANTIALITY (in the rare informal sense): 'His argument was a intellectual puffball.'
Practice
Quiz
In which professional context is 'puffball' a specific technical term?