noun

puffball

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Puffball (noun) means a round fungus that releases a cloud of dust-like spores when its mature body is disturbed. Example: “A giant puffball can grow to the size of a football in damp woodland.”

noun

A round fungus that releases a cloud of dust-like spores when its mature body is disturbed.

"A giant puffball can grow to the size of a football in damp woodland."

"He gave the puffball a light kick and watched brown spores drift out."

"Puffballs are edible when young, before the flesh turns dark inside."

A dandelion flower once it has gone to seed and formed a round, fluffy head.

"The children blew on the puffball and scattered its seeds across the lawn."

"A row of puffballs nodded along the verge in the summer breeze."

"She picked a puffball and made a wish before blowing it apart."

How to use puffball

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA round fungus that puffs out spores, or a dandelion gone fluffy and round.

When to use it

Puffball is an everyday, informal name rather than a scientific term for these fungi.

Memory tip

The word covers two different round things, fungus and dandelion head, so check the surrounding context to see which is meant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a giant puffball kick a puffball blow a puffball puffball mushroom

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “puffball” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A giant _____ can grow to the size of a football in damp woodland.

Etymology

Puffball is a straightforward English compound, joining puff, for the burst of dust it releases, with ball, describing its round shape.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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dandelion clock earthball

Frequently asked questions

What is a puffball?

It is a round fungus that puffs out a cloud of spores when mature, or, in another sense, a dandelion head once it has gone to seed.

Can you eat a puffball?

Young puffball fungi are eaten while their flesh is still firm and white, before it darkens and turns to spores.

Why is it called a puffball?

The name describes both its round, ball-like shape and the visible puff of spores it releases when touched or squeezed.

What is the meaning of puffball?

"puffball" (noun) means a round fungus that releases a cloud of dust-like spores when its mature body is disturbed.