puffball

noun

puff·​ball ˈpəf-ˌbȯl 

: any of various globose and often edible fungi (especially family Lycoperdaceae) that discharge mature spores in a smokelike cloud when pressed or struck

Examples of puffball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Creative TikTok users have guided viewers on how to transform an oversized button-down into a puffball skirt — much like the Schiaparelli number Sienna Miller wore at last fall’s Vogue World event to announce her pregnancy. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 14 Aug. 2024

Charli xcx, Billie Eilish Donate Unused Underwear from 'Guess' Remix Music Video to Survivors of Domestic Violence Fellow artist Lorde, 27, made an appearance at the bash in a cute casual outfit featuring a black bandeau top with a white puffball skirt and black brogues while sporting pigtails. —Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2024

The triangular 1980s jackets with jutting shoulders, and precisely angled gaucho hats were weirdly galactic, while the puffballs of evening taffetas had go-go-decade references in their swirls. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 7 June 2024

The former offers a pastoral vision of the interwar Japanese suburbs while the latter’s main draw is watching Richard Gere tend to a darling puffball for 100 minutes. —Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

puffball

noun

puff·​ball ˈpəf-ˌbȯl 

: any of various often edible globe-shaped fungi that release ripe spores in a cloud resembling smoke when they are touched

Medical Definition

puffball

noun

puff·​ball ˈpəf-ˌbȯl 

: any of various globose and often edible fungi (especially family Lycoperdaceae) that discharge ripe spores in a smokelike cloud when pressed or struck