Meaning & Definition of word "Mushroom"

Mushroom

/ˈmʌʃ.rʊm/

noun:

  • 1. A type of fungi that typically has a rounded cap and a stalk, many of which are edible.
    • Example: She sautéed some mushrooms to add to the pasta.
  • 2. Any of various fleshy fungi, especially those that have a stalk and a cap.
    • Example: The forest was filled with mushrooms after the rainy season.
  • 3. A fungus, especially one with a cap and stalk, that bears spores on its underside.
    • Example: He found a large mushroom growing in his backyard.
  • 4. A mushroom-shaped growth or defect, often in biology or geology.
    • Example: The coral reef formed a mushroom structure under the water.

verb:

  • 1. To increase rapidly in number or amount; to expand or grow quickly.
    • Example: The population in the city began to mushroom after the discovery of new job opportunities.
  • 2. To develop well or to become more prominent suddenly.
    • Example: Her career began to mushroom once she signed with a top agent.

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of morschelle, from Old French morchelle.

Common Phrases and Expressions

mushroom cloud:

A large, often billowing cloud of smoke and debris that rises up after a nuclear explosion.

to mushroom:

To increase rapidly or to spread out quickly.

Related Words

fungi:

A kingdom of living organisms that includes mushrooms and yeasts.

spore:

The reproductive unit of fungi, capable of developing into a new individual.

Slang Meanings of mushroom

Meaning: To grow or increase rapidly.

Example Sentence: The new business started to mushroom after a successful marketing campaign.

Meaning: To become intoxicated or high, especially from hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Example Sentence: They decided to mushroom on the weekend during the festival.