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 /ˈmɑːθ.bɑːl/

Noun

1.

a small, white ball containing a chemical with a strong smell that keeps moths away from clothes:

Example:
I've inherited a vintage fur coat, but it smells like mothballs.

Verb

1.

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:
Six coal mines were mothballed in the hope that they could be reopened in a time of better economic conditions.
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