Meaning of the word mothball in English
What does mothball mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
mothball
US /ˈmɑːθ.bɑːl/
UK /ˈmɒθ.bɔːl/
Noun
a small, white ball containing a chemical with a strong smell that keeps moths away from clothes:
Example:
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I've inherited a vintage fur coat, but it smells like mothballs.
Verb
to stop work on an idea, plan, or job, but leaving it in such a way that you can start on it again at some point in the future:
Example:
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Six coal mines were mothballed in the hope that they could be reopened in a time of better economic conditions.