treasure trove

noun

1

: treasure that anyone finds

specifically : gold or silver in the form of money, plate, or bullion which is found hidden and whose ownership is not known

2

: a valuable discovery, resource, or collection

Synonyms

• argosy
• cornucopia
• gold mine
• mine
• mother lode
• wellspring

Examples of treasure trove in a Sentence

Divers found a treasure trove of gold and silver in the wreckage of a ship that sank hundreds of years ago.

the ancient city, having been almost perfectly preserved under volcanic ash for nearly 2,000 years, is proving to be a treasure trove of archaeological information

Recent Examples on the Web

Some may call it trash TV, but one person's trash is another's treasure trove of binge-watching. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Setbacks are a treasure trove of lessons that can become immensely beneficial with hindsight, contextualizing potentially difficult decisions and making leaders more well-rounded in guiding their teams. —Dylan Taylor, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Swift’s The Tortured Poet’s Department has been a treasure trove for fans eager to decode possible references to Healy. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024

Chop Suey Club Peking Opera Performer, 2009-2019 $800 Oliver Gal Supernormal Numinous Pillar $120 Chop Suey Club Chop Suey Club is a treasure trove of contemporary Chinese design. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French tresor trové, literally, found treasure

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

treasure trove

noun

-ˌtrōv

1

: treasure of unknown ownership found buried or hidden

2

: a valuable discovery

Legal Definition

treasure trove

noun

-ˈtrōv

: treasure that anyone finds

specifically : gold or silver in the form of money, plate, or bullion that is found hidden and whose ownership is not known

Note: State law determines who is entitled to a treasure trove.