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
After the renovation, they decided to mothball the old gym until next year.
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We found a box of old clothes with some stale mothballs in the attic.
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I put a mothball in each drawer to protect my clothes.
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A strong mothball smell filled the closet.
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Please don't touch the mothballs, they are not safe for children.
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The factory has been mothballed because of low demand.
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