What does "mothball" mean?
A small ball of chemical pesticide (originally camphor and now typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles to deter moth larvae which may damage them.
Mothball
/ˈmɒθbɔːl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A small ball of chemical pesticide (originally camphor and now typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles to deter moth larvae which may damage them.
- Grammar: mothball is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: ball, camphor ball, defer, naphthalene ball.
- Useful contrasts: activate, active asset, continue.
- Usage evidence: There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […]
How to use "mothball"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mothball" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mothball" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mothball" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mothball" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mothball" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ball" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mothball", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A small ball of chemical pesticide (originally camphor and now typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles to deter moth larvae which may damage them. in-plural
"There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […]"
- 2 a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing wordnet
Verb
- 1 To store (clothing, etc.) with mothballs (noun noun sense 1). transitive
- 2 put into long-term storage wordnet
- 3 To stop using (something), and often to put it in storage; specifically, while keeping it in good condition so it can be used in the future. figuratively, transitive
"They mothballed the old version after the new one came out."
- 4 To stop work on (a plan, project, etc.) for the time being; to postpone, to shelve. figuratively, transitive
"The fact that the START Treaty has just been signed is reason enough not to build one rail garrison train before mothballing the project."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mothball"?
Common synonyms include: ball, camphor ball, defer, naphthalene ball, pause, reserve.
How do you use "mothball" in a sentence?
There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […]
How do you pronounce "mothball"?
Pronounced /ˈmɒθbɔːl/.
Etymology
The noun is derived from moth + ball. The verb is derived from the noun.