mothballs
word · lemma: mothball
Definition
Small balls made from chemicals (usually naphthalene or camphor) that are placed with clothes to protect them from being damaged by moths.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly refers to the physical product but can also be used in idioms like 'put something in mothballs' (to store or stop using temporarily). Has a strong chemical smell. Typical collocation: 'smell of mothballs'.
Example Sentences
She put mothballs in her closet to protect her clothes.
basic
The old trunk smelled strongly of mothballs.
basic
Please keep mothballs away from children and pets.
basic
You can tell grandma stores her sweaters with mothballs—the smell is unmistakable.
natural
After packing winter clothes with mothballs, everything stays fresh for next year.
natural
I found my old jacket in the attic and, wow, it reeked of mothballs!
natural