Mothball Meaning in English
word
Definition
A small ball made of chemicals, used to protect clothes from moths and insects when stored. The word can also be used as a verb meaning to stop using something for a while, especially equipment or a project.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used as a noun for the chemical ball placed in closets. As a verb, it's somewhat informal and often used for equipment, plans, or projects ('put it in mothballs' or 'mothball the project'). The noun is more common in daily life; the verb is common in business or technical discussions.
Example Sentences
I put a mothball in each drawer to protect my clothes.
basic
A strong mothball smell filled the closet.
basic
Please don't touch the mothballs, they are not safe for children.
basic
After the renovation, they decided to mothball the old gym until next year.
natural
The factory has been mothballed because of low demand.
natural
We found a box of old clothes with some stale mothballs in the attic.
natural